Cherries are a beloved summer fruit known for their sweet and slightly tangy flavor. However, their season is fleeting, usually only lasting for a few weeks in mid-summer. The clock starts ticking when you bring fresh cherries home from the market.
Cherries are highly perishable and will only last a few days without proper storage. Learning the best methods for storing cherries will help you extend their fresh lifespan so you can continue enjoying their delicious taste.
In this article, we will cover the different ways of storing fresh cherries for the long term. So continue reading to learn how to store cherries long term.
Different Ways To Store Cherries For Longer
Buy Perfectly Ripe Cherries
When storing cherries for maximum freshness, it all starts with buying the right cherries. Look for fully ripened ones, which you can identify by their deep, rich color - they should range from a bright red to almost black hue.
Avoid cherries with a lot of green coloring or pale red tones, as these are underripe and won't last as long. The stem and skin should also be completely red with no traces of green.
Pick plump and firm cherries in terms of firmness but yield slightly to gentle pressure. Check each cherry to ensure they have unblemished, glossy skin free of nicks, spots, or discoloration.
Wash And Dry Cherries
Once you have selected perfectly ripe cherries, washing and drying them is the next important step in fresh cherry storage. Give the cherries a thorough but gentle rinse under cool, running water. This will remove any dirt, debris, or pesticide residues from the surface. Be sure not to soak the cherries - you just want a quick rinse.
Then, gently pat the cherries completely dry with a paper towel or clean dishcloth. Removing as much moisture as possible is important since lingering water droplets hasten spoilage.
Make sure to get into all the crevices and dry the stems thoroughly. You can also remove the stems and pits at this point if desired since the stems and pits contain enzymes that will speed up decay.
Refrigerate Cherries In an Airtight Container
Once your fresh cherries are cleaned and prepped, it's time to store them properly in the refrigerator. Cherries should always be refrigerated as soon as possible and never left out on the counter. The cool temperature of the refrigerator slows down the ripening process and enzymes that lead to decay.
Place the cherries in a clean, airtight container or storage bag, removing as much excess air from the container as possible. Glass jars, plastic containers, or resealable plastic bags all work well. The airtight seal helps prevent moisture loss.
When stored this way in the refrigerator, fresh cherries typically last around 5-7 days before going bad. Just make sure to check on them periodically and remove any that are moldy or deteriorated. Refrigerating in an airtight container creates the ideal climate for extending the shelf life of your cherries.
Freeze Cherries For Long-Term Storage
For enjoying cherries long past their natural season, freezing is the best method for long-term storage. After washing, drying, and removing stems, lay the cherries in a single layer on a baking sheet, cookie tray, or other flat surface.
Place in the freezer until the cherries are completely frozen, usually 2-3 hours. Transfer the frozen cherries to freezer-safe airtight bags or containers, removing as much excess air as possible. This prevents freezer burn.
Properly frozen cherries will maintain their texture and flavor in the freezer for 2-3 weeks. With the freezer, you can enjoy sweet cherry flavor any time of year. Frozen cherries are great for smoothies, baking, or simply eating for a cold, refreshing treat.
Use The Crisper Drawer
Take advantage of your refrigerator's crisper drawer when storing cherries for maximum freshness. This drawer is designed to allow control over humidity levels, which is key for keeping cherries fresh. The ideal humidity level for stored cherries is 90-95%.
Higher humidity prevents the cherries from losing moisture, drying out, and becoming shriveled. If the humidity is too low, they will deteriorate quickly.
Place cherries in a perforated plastic bag before putting them in the crisper drawer. This allows for air circulation while maintaining the perfect humidity environment. With the right humidity from the crisper, cherries can be kept fresh and delicious for 5 days or longer.
Preserving Cherries By Canning
For cherries you want to enjoy year-round, canning is a safe option for long-term storage at room temperature. Start with fresh, undamaged cherries and sterilized canning jars and lids.
Make a syrup by combining sugar and water, using a ratio of 1 cup sugar to 2 cups water. Bring the syrup to a boil. Fill the jars with cherries, leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace. Pour the hot syrup over the cherries, leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace. Wipe the rims, put on the lids, and process the filled jars in a water bath canner for 30 minutes at 212°F.
Properly canned cherries will be kept for 12-18 months and stored in a cool, dark place. Over time, the cherries will darken but remain safe to eat if seals are intact.
Pitting Cherries
Pitting cherries is an optional but recommended step before storing cherries. The pit contains enzymes that hasten ripening and decay. Removing the pits helps slow down this enzymatic process, extending the cherries' shelf life.
To pit cherries, use a paring knife or cherry pitter tool to cut the fruit in half and remove the pit. Take care not to tear the cherry flesh. Keep the two halves together if possible.
Pitted cherries can be frozen or canned as is. For refrigerating, place pitted cherries in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Pitting removes the part of the cherry that causes faster spoilage, allowing you to enjoy its ripe flavor for additional days before it goes bad.
Conclusion
Cherries may only be in season for a short window during summer, but with the proper storage methods, you can extend their fresh lifespan and enjoy their sweet taste for much longer.
Storing cherries properly starts with choosing perfect ripe, unblemished fruit and refrigerating them immediately in an airtight container or bag. With the right techniques for handling and storage, you can make juicy, delicious cherries that last far beyond their short season.
