Shelf Life Tips
- How long does a can of cherries last once opened? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep opened cherries refrigerated and tightly covered.
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To maximize the shelf life of canned cherries after opening, refrigerate in covered glass or plastic container.
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How long do opened canned cherries last in the refrigerator? Canned cherries that have been continuously refrigerated will keep for about 5 to 7 days.
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Are canned cherries safe to use after the "expiration" date on the package? Yes, provided they have been stored properly, the can or package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below) - commercially canned cherries will typically carry a "Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before", or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the cherries will remain at peak quality.
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To further extend the shelf life of opened canned cherries, freeze them: to freeze canned cherries, place inside covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
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How long do canned cherries last in the freezer? Properly stored, they will maintain best quality for about 2 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
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The freezer time shown is for best quality only - cherries that have been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
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How long do canned cherries last after being frozen and thawed? Cherries that have been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before using; cherries that were thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be used immediately.
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How can you tell if opened canned cherries are bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the cherries: if the cherries develop an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, they should be discarded.
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Discard all cherries from cans or packages that are leaking, rusting, bulging or severely dented.
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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
