How to Store Tart Cherries
Updated: 01/14/2025: Fresh cherries are a delightful treat, whether you buy them from your local grocery store, a farmers market, or pick them directly from a cherry tree. Many customers have reached out recently, asking how to store fresh cherries to ensure they stay fresh and ready to eat for as long as possible. These fresh cherries can also be used to make cherry juice and no-added sugar dried cherries.
A number of our customers have contacted up recently and asked how to store fresh tart cherries. So we put together these comprehensive tips to help you store cherries properly and make the most of this delicious fruit.
Tips for Storing Fresh Cherries
#1: Handle with Care and Avoid Washing Too Early
Fresh cherries are delicate and can bruise easily, so a little TLC goes a long way. When you bring cherries home, avoid washing them immediately. Excess moisture can lead to mold and spoilage. Instead, wash cherries in cold water only right before eating or using them in your favorite cherry recipes. Removing the stems too early can also shorten their shelf life, so leave the stems intact until you’re ready to enjoy them.
#2: Store Cherries in a Single Layer
To prevent bruising, loosely pack unwashed cherries in plastic bags, or place them in a shallow pan lined with parchment paper or a paper towel. Arrange the cherries in a single layer and cover them with plastic wrap to reduce pressure and damage. Proper storage helps them stay fresh for up to a week.
#3: Refrigerate Immediately
Cherries thrive in cooler temperatures. To ensure they stay fresh, store cherries in the refrigerator as soon as you bring them home. Ideally, place them in the coldest part of the fridge—often the crisper drawer—but make sure there’s enough ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. Cherries stored properly in the refrigerator can last up to a week, but it’s a good idea to check them regularly. Remove any that have started to spoil to prevent them from affecting the rest.
#4: Freeze Cherries for Long-Term Use
If you’d like to enjoy cherries year-round, freezing them is an excellent option. Here’s how to freeze cherries properly:
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Rinse cherries in cold water and drain thoroughly.
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Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
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Remove the stems and, if desired, pit the cherries using a cherry pitter.
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Arrange the cherries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Place the baking sheet in the freezer overnight.
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Once frozen, transfer the cherries to a heavy-duty plastic bag or an airtight container.
Frozen cherries can be stored for up to a year without losing their flavor or nutritional value. They’re perfect for smoothies, baking, or any other cherry recipes you’d like to try.
#5: Keep Cherries Away from Room Temperature
Fresh cherries are highly perishable and do not fare well when left at room temperature for long periods. If you’re planning to use cherries soon after purchasing them, you can leave them out for a few hours, but always refrigerate them to maximize freshness.
#6: Don’t Worry About Minor Leaks
It’s not uncommon for some cherry juice to leak out, especially when cherries are stored or frozen. Don’t worry if you notice this; it’s natural and won’t harm the cherries. Simply clean the bag or container, and your cherries will still be good to use.
Preparing Cherries for Eating or Cooking
Most cherries from the grocery store, U-Pick Cherry Orchards in Michigan, or farmers market are best enjoyed raw. Simply wash them in cold water just before eating and serve with the stems intact. If you’re feeling creative, there are countless ways to incorporate cherries into your meals and desserts.
Pitting Cherries
For cooking or baking, you’ll likely need to remove the pits. A cherry pitter is a handy tool that simplifies this process, or you can pit cherries manually with a small knife. Removing the pits before cooking ensures a smoother texture in your dishes.
Poaching Cherries
One popular cooking method for cherries is poaching. Combine one cup of liquid (such as water or wine) with two cups of cherries in a small saucepan. Simmer for one to three minutes until the cherries soften. Poached cherries make a wonderful topping for desserts or breakfast dishes like pancakes and yogurt.
Baking with Cherries
Fresh or frozen cherries are a fantastic addition to pies, tarts, muffins, and cobblers. When using frozen cherries, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand—just toss them into your recipe, and they’ll bake beautifully. The versatility of cherries makes them a staple ingredient for home bakers and chefs alike.
Final Thoughts
Storing cherries properly is the key to enjoying their sweet, juicy flavor for as long as possible. From keeping them cool in the fridge to freezing cherries for long-term use, following these tips ensures you’ll always have delicious cherries ready to eat or cook with. Whether you’re snacking on them fresh, adding them to a dish, or trying out new cherry recipes, these small steps can make a big difference in maintaining their quality and taste.
With proper care and storage, your cherries will remain a delightful treat no matter the season.
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