Wondering how to store fresh cranberries? Here is your guide to freezing and storing cranberries all season long!
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Hey there, Rhubarbarians! If you're like me and absolutely adore the delightful tartness of fresh cranberries, you'll know that their season is far too short. It comes and goes with the holiday season!
Storing fresh cranberries is simple! Here's how to make the most of these seasonal berries and store them properly in the refrigerator and the freezer. So, you can stock up for the holiday season or freeze them for recipes year-round.
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When are cranberries in season?
Cranberries are all about fall, typically from September through November. Those bogs in cranberry country (yes, that's a real thing, mostly in places like Massachusetts, Wisconsin, and New Jersey) come alive during this time. If you're in the United States, you can usually find fresh cranberries making their entrance just before the cozy sweater weather kicks in.
Take a look at the cranberries before purchasing to make sure they are fresh. Look for vibrant red color, firm berries with no wrinkles, and berries that have not been punctured or have brown, mushy spots.
You can read all about cranberries with this beginner's guide to cranberries here!
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Preparing cranberries for storage
Imagine: you're so excited about fall and the holiday season and you've just snagged a few too many bags of fresh cranberries at your local market. You're already dreaming about cranberry sauce, cranberry desserts, or cranberry cocktails (yes, that's a thing, and it's awesome!). Now, you're wondering what to do with all those cranberries!
If you plan to use them up quickly, go ahead and place them directly in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator in the sealed plastic package that they came in!
However, if you want to store them for longer or freeze them, follow these steps to prep your cranberries for storage:
- Rinse and Sort: Start by giving your cranberries a good rinse under cold, running water. Look out for any mushy or spoiled berries, and discard them. Cranberries usually float, so it's easy to skim off any that aren't up to snuff.
- Drain Excess Water: After their quick bath, let the cranberries drain in a colander. Give them a gentle shake to remove excess water.
- Dry Thoroughly: Lay out a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and gently pat the cranberries dry. It's crucial to remove as much moisture as possible, as excess water can lead to premature spoilage.
- Remove Stems and Leaves: Take a moment to inspect the cranberries for any lingering stems or leaves. Pluck them out; you don't want any in your storage container.
Storing
When it comes to keeping your cranberries fresh in the fridge, it's all about providing them with the right conditions to extend their shelf life. Here's a step-by-step guide to refrigerator storage:
- Prep first: Follow the instructions above to prepare your cranberries for storage.
- Airtight Container: The next step is to place your dried cranberries in an airtight container. Ensure the container is clean and completely dry before loading it up with your cranberries. You can use a plastic container or a glass one with a tightly sealed lid.
- Refrigerator Placement: Now, find a spot that isn't too crowded for your cranberries in the refrigerator's crisper drawer. This drawer provides the ideal level of humidity to keep the cranberries fresh and crisp.
Can I store cranberries in the bag they came in? Sure! If you plan to use your cranberries quickly, they will store well in the sealed plastic container you purchased them in.
Freezing
Freezing fresh cranberries is an excellent way to extend their shelf life, allowing you to enjoy them all year long. Here's a detailed guide on how to freeze fresh cranberries:
- Prep first: Follow the instructions above to prepare your cranberries for storage.
- Spread in a single layer: spread the clean and dry cranberries out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Feel free to layer with parchment paper.
- Freeze: Place the baking sheet in a flat area of your freezer and freeze until the cranberries are frozen.
- Airtight container: The next step is to place your frozen cranberries in an airtight container. Ensure the container is clean and completely dry before loading it up with your cranberries. You can use a plastic storage container or a resealable, zip-top freezer bag. If using a bag, try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Portioning (Optional): Consider portioning out the cranberries before freezing. If you regularly use a certain quantity in recipes, measure it out and store it in separate containers. This way, you can grab just what you need without thawing the entire batch.
- Label and Date: It's always a good idea to label and date the container or bag before placing it in the freezer. This helps you keep track of how long they've been stored.
The wonderful thing about frozen cranberries is that you can use them straight from the freezer without thawing for many fresh cranberry recipes. They're perfect for sauces, baking, or blending into smoothies.
How long do they last?
In the refrigerator: when stored correctly, fresh cranberries can stay fresh for about three to four weeks. Just make sure to inspect them periodically for any signs of spoilage like mushy, moldy, or off-smelling berries. Periodically check the container for any moisture build-up, and if you find any, gently pat the cranberries dry with a paper towel.
In the freezer: When frozen, cranberries can keep their flavors and textures intact for up to a year. While they remain safe to eat after this period, their flavor and texture may start to deteriorate. Even better, you can use them straight from the freezer for many fresh cranberry recipes.
Fresh cranberry recipes
It's time to get those cranberries out of storage and use them up. From dinners, to desserts, to drinks, here are a few fresh cranberry recipes to try with that bag in your fridge or freezer!
- Fresh cranberry pomegranate smoothie
- Pumpkin cranberry bread
- Vegan cranberry chili
- Cranberry pancakes
- Cranberry portobello pot roast
Need more ideas? Here are more fantastic fresh cranberry recipes to try!
FAQs
Absolutely, you can store fresh cranberries in their original packaging, as long as you plan to wash and inspect them within a week. Just ensure that the bag is properly sealed to maintain freshness.
I don't recommend it. It is wise to wash the cranberries and inspect them for spoiled berries before freezing.
Make sure to rinse and dry them thoroughly before storage. It's essential to remove excess moisture, as cranberries are susceptible to mold. Additionally, periodically check the storage container for any moisture build-up and pat the cranberries dry if necessary.
It's generally not recommended to refreeze cranberries after they've been thawed, as the texture and flavor can deteriorate. If you've thawed more than you need for a recipe, consider using the remaining cranberries in dishes that don't require the same level of freshness, such as cooked sauces or jams.
You can absolutely use frozen cranberries directly in recipes without thawing for many applications. Frozen cranberries work well in recipes like muffins, sauces, and smoothies. If a recipe specifically calls for chopped cranberries, you can let them thaw for about 10 minutes on the counter before chopping. Otherwise, feel free to use them straight from the freezer.
Don't forget to tag us on Instagram with your fresh cranberry storage photos!
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Cory
If you put cranberries in an airtight container for refrigerator storage, why does the humidity of the fridge storage area matter?
Trish Bozeman
It matters if you are keeping the berries in the bag that they came in.