Cranberries are a festive staple. They add a burst of color and tart flavor to holiday tables and everyday dishes. But knowing how to store them properly is key to enjoying their benefits long after the season ends. Whether you’re planning to use them next week or next year, here’s your complete guide!

About Cranberries

Cranberries are tiny, hard, acidic, bright red berries that grow on vines in wetlands. They are native to North America and are primarily harvested in the fall, making them a peak-season ingredient around Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Nutritional Powerhouse: They are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, offering numerous health benefits.

Versatile Ingredient: Beyond the classic cranberry sauce, they are fantastic in baked goods, savory stuffings, juices, and cocktails.

Long Shelf Life: Due to their hardy nature and natural acidity, they store much longer than many other berries.

Related: 10 Ways to Use Fresh Cranberries

How To Store Fresh Cranberries

When you bring home a bag of fresh cranberries, proper immediate storage is crucial for maintaining their quality.

Do Not Wash Yet: Only wash the berries right before you are ready to use them. Introducing moisture can accelerate spoilage.

Keep Them in the Bag: The plastic bag they are sold in is designed to provide the right amount of air circulation and moisture barrier. If you open it, you can simply roll the top down and clip it shut.

The Refrigerator is Best: Place the unopened or properly sealed bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.

Shelf Life: Properly stored fresh cranberries will last a surprisingly long time, typically 3 to 4 weeks, and sometimes up to 2 months in a cold refrigerator! Or if you want any even longer life span, you can freeze cranberries.

How To Freeze Cranberries

If you buy a large quantity or want to enjoy fresh-tasting cranberries in July, the freezer is your best friend. Freezing them is incredibly easy and requires almost no prep work! Once again, skip the wash. We do not recommend washing the cranberries before freezing.

First, flash freeze the cranberries. Spread the cranberries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours until the berries are solid. This prevents them from clumping.

Then, transfer to Storage. Add the cranberries into a freezer-safe zipper bag or an airtight container and remove the air. If using a bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Finally, label and store the cranberries in the freezer. Frozen cranberries will maintain their best quality for 10 to 12 months.

Ice Cube Cranberries

Another fun and practical way to prepare cranberries for drinks, sauces, or to simply add a beautiful garnish to water or cocktails is to freeze them as ice cubes.

First, wash the cranberries and ensure they are completely patted dry with a paper towel.

Then, place 2-3 cranberries in each compartment of an ice cube tray (depending on size). Next, add the liquid to the ice cube tray. Fill the tray with filtered water, cranberry juice, or even a simple syrup mixture.

Freeze until solid. You can leave in the ice cube trays if you are going to enjoy them in the next 2-3 days, or you can transfer the cranberry ice cubes to a labeled freezer bag.

Related: Fruit & Herb Flavored Ice Cubes

Enjoying Cranberries

From your refrigerator or freezer, these bright berries are ready for some recipes!

• Holiday Sauce: The classic use! Simply simmer with sugar and water.
• Appetizers: They are beautiful in delicious in appetizers like baked brie or tartlets.
• Baked Goods: Toss frozen berries directly into scones, muffins, or quick breads.
• Garnish: Use the ice cube cranberries to instantly elevate a glass of sparkling water or a holiday punch.
• Salads: Cranberries are a great addition to any holiday salad.
• Smoothies: Add a handful of frozen berries for a tart kick and an extra boost of antioxidants in any smoothie recipe. We also love using cranberries in homemade smoothie bowls.
• Savory Dishes: Toss them into chicken or pork roast glazes for a complex, tangy flavor.
• Desserts: Cranberries are a great addition to your favorite galette, pie or fudge.

Stock up when they are in season, follow these simple storage tips, and you can enjoy the vibrant taste of fresh cranberries all year long!

Looking for more inspiration? Check us out on Pinterest or Instagram, and join our community of Produce Moms!