This Is How Long Cherries Take To Go Bad

When buying fruits, you probably hope to actually eat them and avail their several health benefits. How many times, though, did you buy fruit only for it to go bad on your counter or even in your refrigerator, just staring back at you for days on end without getting eaten? We can't help but shamelessly admit to doing so more than just once. 

We're not alone in this. Unfortunately, Americans waste more than $218 billion yearly on food, with the average family throwing away over $1,600 worth of produce a year (via RTS). This often happens because we waited too long to eat whatever it is that goes bad, or maybe we just didn't want to eat leftovers for the third night in a row.

When it comes to fruit, though, it can be hard to tell what can be left out on the counter and what should go in the fridge for optimal keeping. Especially with cherries. Did you know there are over 30 different types of cherries, all of which look and taste slightly different? So, how are you supposed to know how to store them? Fortunately, we have an answer that applies to most cherry varieties.

Cherries are a type of fruit, and like any fruit, they are often perishable and need to be stored properly. Once you've picked out your favorite variety of cherries in the produce section of your local grocery store or perhaps even a local farm, you'll want to make sure you can actually eat them. According to Stemilt, cherries that are stored in a cool environment (hurray, refrigerators!) are able to preserve their taste and stay fresh the longest. Skip your beautiful counter display of fruit and pop them in the refrigerator to make them last longer.

How much time do cherries have in the fridge, though? Not too long. According to MasterClass, cherries kept in the fridge can last up to a week. Make sure only to wash your cherries right before you eat them, as the water can actually speed up the spoiling process. If you don't feel like eating all of your expensive cherries within a week in the fridge, don't fret. You can easily store them in your freezer for up to six months, and they are perfect to use for smoothies or when you want to use them for baking.

If you want to extend your cherries' lifespan within your refrigerator, consider removing any bad cherries from the bunch and separating them on a baking sheet, which will earn you a couple more days (via MasterClass).