Cherries keep 2 to 3 days in the fridge and 8 to 12 months frozen
Quick answer
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Fridge
Keeps for 2-3 days
Keep cherries in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, and count the days from the date of purchase.
Watch out Throw away cherries that look rotten.
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Freezer
Keeps for 8-12 months
Put cherries in the freezer to keep them 8 to 12 months, the time USDA FoodKeeper gives.
Cherries last 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator, counted from the day you buy them. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. In the freezer, USDA FoodKeeper gives cherries 8 to 12 months.
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Cherries last 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator, counted from the day you buy them. That’s a short window, so freeze what you won’t eat in time. USDA FoodKeeper gives cherries 8 to 12 months in the freezer.
Storage starts at the store. The FDA’s guide to selecting and serving produce safely says to choose produce that isn’t bruised or damaged.
How to store cherries
Store cherries in the refrigerator. USDA FoodKeeper gives cherries a time only for the refrigerator and the freezer, and the FDA says to keep perishable fresh fruits in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Cherries sold in a package go in the refrigerator too, because the FDA says to refrigerate all produce purchased pre-cut or packaged. At the store, choose packaged produce only if it’s refrigerated or surrounded by ice.
Do cherries need to be refrigerated?
Yes, refrigerate them. FoodKeeper gives cherries no room temperature time, only 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator and 8 to 12 months in the freezer.
How to keep cherries fresh
Keep the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below and eat the cherries within 2 to 3 days of buying them. Cover fresh or cut cherries with plastic wrap, which the USDA says keeps fruit moist and away from mold spores in the air.
How long do cherries last in the fridge?
Cherries last 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator. USDA FoodKeeper counts those days from the date of purchase.
| Cherries | How long |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 2 to 3 days from purchase |
| Freezer | 8 to 12 months |
Can you freeze cherries?
Yes. USDA FoodKeeper gives cherries 8 to 12 months in the freezer, far longer than the 2 to 3 days they last in the refrigerator.
Freezing is the option FoodKeeper gives for keeping cherries beyond those first few days.
Can you freeze cherries with pits?
USDA FoodKeeper gives cherries 8 to 12 months in the freezer and doesn’t list pitting as a step.
Its entry has one freezer time for cherries and doesn’t separate pitted from unpitted ones.
How to tell if cherries are bad
Throw away cherries that look rotten, as the FDA advises for all produce. Cut away any damaged or bruised areas from the rest before you prepare or eat them.
How to wash cherries
Wash cherries under plain running water before you eat them, as the FDA’s tips for cleaning fruits and vegetables explain. Gently rub the fruit, then dry it with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce bacteria.
You don’t need soap, detergent, or a commercial produce wash. The FDA doesn’t recommend them, because produce is porous and can absorb them.
Washing reduces bacteria but doesn’t eliminate them.
Frequently asked questions
How cold should the refrigerator be for cherries?
At 40°F (4°C) or below, as the FDA advises for perishable fresh fruits.
When do the 2 to 3 days for cherries start?
They start on the date of purchase. USDA FoodKeeper counts the refrigerator time for cherries from that day.
Should you wash cherries with soap?
No. The FDA says there's no need for soap or a produce wash, and it doesn't recommend them because produce is porous and can absorb them.
Does washing remove all bacteria from cherries?
No. Washing reduces bacteria but doesn't eliminate them, so dry the cherries with a clean cloth or paper towel to reduce them further.
