Not only are raisins a healthy snack we can put away by the handful, but we also love adding them to baked goods, salads and even pasta recipes. Yep, raisins are quite a versatile dried fruit, which is why it doesn’t seem unreasonable to buy them in bulk. But that box of shriveled grapes has been sitting in the back of the pantry for a while and now you’re wondering, do raisins go bad? Read on to find out how long you can keep these sweet gems hanging around, plus the best way to store them.
Still Tasty says that raisins can keep for 6 to 12 months at room temperature as long as they are stored in an airtight bag or container. But if they’re in a humid environment, it’s best to keep them in the refrigerator instead. Otherwise, the raisins’ natural preservation can be compromised by the moisture in the air.
Once opened, if you don’t plan to use the raisins within a couple of months, you may want to store them in the refrigerator in order to give them a longer shelf life.
Or I have to use a knife to slit open the top part. Why is it glued so tightly and almost impossible to open?
Beatrice K. in Houston: Storage is the key! The best way to keep raisins from drying out and clumping is to put them in an airtight container or a large, plastic, sealable bag.
Blanche D.: Got you! Also, I cut the inner seal in half with a knife so its easy to measure out the spice.
I get the tab to stick out of the opening and add on an extended piece of tape, folded over the top and underside of the tab, to create an extended tab. That’s my solution to the “stuck in the box” tab.Advertisement
Do raisins go bad?
Yes and no. Raisins are unlikely to spoil because (like most dried fruits) they have quite a long shelf-life, which proper storage methods can extend even further. That said, any food item can go bad under the right (or wrong, as it were) conditions, so definitely steer clear of raisins that smell weird or show visible signs of mold. The main issue, however, is that the quality of raisins does decline over time, and the fruits are liable to dry out as well. So how long do raisins actually last? Unopened raisins stay fresh for up to three months after the printed “best by” date, if not longer. (Fun fact: ‘Best by’ dates are actually just an arbitrary measure of quality assigned by the manufacturer and not an indicator of food safety.) Opened packages of raisins, on the other hand, can be enjoyed for up to six months after you first break the seal.
How To Store Raisins and Dried Fruits- Food Storage Tips Tricks Hacks
FAQ
What happens if you don’t refrigerate raisins?
How can you tell if raisins have gone bad?
Do you have to refrigerate golden raisins?
Why do raisins need to be refrigerated?
According to the National Raisin Company site, it’s just to extend the shelf life or freshness of the product and prevent them from becoming dried out. What is the best way to store raisins? Cool storage is the best way to keep raisins. After the package has been opened they should be put in a sealed container and refrigerated.
How many ounces of raisins are healthy to consume?
Daily raisin consumption should be from 30 to 40 grams (8 or 10 raisins). Eating too many raisins can provoke stomach discomfort, as they are high in fiber. They are also high in sugar and calories, so an excessive consumption may cause weight gain.
How long do raisins last in the fridge?
Still Tasty says that raisins can keep for 6 to 12 months at room temperature as long as they are stored in an airtight bag or container. But if they’re in a humid environment, it’s best to keep them in the refrigerator instead. Otherwise, the raisins’ natural preservation can be compromised by the moisture in the air.
How do you keep raisins fresh?
To prevent this, it’s essential to store raisins in an airtight container, away from heat and light. One of the best ways to store raisins is in the refrigerator. The cool temperature will help to slow down the oxidation process, keeping the raisins fresh for a longer period of time.