In this brief guide, we will address the query, “do maraschino cherries go bad?” We will also discuss how maraschino cherries are made, the appropriate way to store them, and their shelf life.
Do maraschino cherries go bad?
Yes, maraschino cherries go bad. However, they do exhibit a large shelf life, an unopened bottle of maraschino cherries will keep the best quality for up to 3 years, but you can still consume them safely past this date.
Maraschino cherries are preserved with a mixture of salt and sugar, so without the need for alcohol, they can enlarge their shelf life.
Nevertheless, when you have opened the jar, it will only last for a whole week when kept in the pantry.
What are maraschino cherries?
Maraschino cherries are cherries that have been submitted to a preservation and sweetening method. It is believed they were first created in the country of Croatia during the 1800s.
Maraschino cherries can be used for preparing different beverages and desserts, such as
As delicious as they might be, it is not recommended to consume maraschino cherries very often because they can be detrimental to your health.
There are several health risks triggered by the consumption of these treats, click here to read about them.
How long do maraschino cherries last?
Depending on the way you store your maraschino cherries, their shelf life can be affected. When kept unopened in the fridge, maraschino cherries can be fresh for up to 3 years. Once opened, they will only last about 6 to 12 months.
You can also store your cherries in the freezer, this way you can enlarge their shelf life for up to 10 to 12 months. Keep in mind that several factors can affect their shelf life, not only the storing method.
If you prefer to leave on the counter your maraschino cherries, you need to know they will last up to 2 to 3 days. This can be triggered by the little protection to exposure to air and sunlight.
| Maraschino cherries expiration date | ||||
| Type | Stored in the pantry, unopened | Stored in the pantry, opened. | Stored in the fridge | Stored in the freezer |
Maraschino cherries | 2 to 3 years | 2 to 3 days | 3 years when unopened 6 to 12 months when opened. | 10 to 12 months |
How can you tell when maraschino cherries have rotten?
Your senses are enough to determine if maraschino cherries are still able to be consumed. Several signs can indicate your cherries are not safe to consume anymore, such as
- Mold growth. Maraschino cherries can develop mold because of the way they are made. So, to prevent this, it is recommended to store them in airtight containers with zero contact with light and humidity.
- Off smell. If you do not notice any mold growing in the cherries or the container, you can safely smell them, if you notice a rotten smell then you should discard them.
- Funky flavor. If everything seems normal but as soon as you try the cherries you notice an odd taste, you should stop eating them!
To avoid the quick spoilage of maraschino cherries, you need to store them in a dark, dry, and cool space. Humidity and sunlight should not be in contact with your cherries because they can damage their integrity.
Is it okay to store maraschino cherries in the fridge?
Yes, it is the best way to store these delicious treats. When unopened, there is no problem with leaving your maraschino cherries in the pantry. However, as soon as they open, they need to be stored in the fridge in an airtight container.
If you get your cherries from a can, it is better to use a jar that can be tightly sealed to move your cherries to it.
Of course, it is natural you want to enlarge their shelf life as much as possible, to avoid wasting money, and even help the environment!
How are maraschino cherries made?
Maraschino cherries can be acquired in the market, or you can even prepare them at home! All you need are the following tools
- Cherries, of course! You can use the Bing variety.
- Cherry pitter.
- Sugar.
- Maraschino Liqueur.
- Tart Cherry Juice.
Once you have gathered all the ingredients and tools, all you need to do is to
- Add the liqueur, sugar, and tart cherry juice in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Stir until sugar is dissolved, and turn it off.
- Now it is time to add the cherries, you can press them down to submerge them.
- Let them cool at room temperature, and store them in a jar with a lid in the fridge.
Tell us if you prepare this recipe!
Other FAQs about Cherry that you may be interested in.
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Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have addressed the query, “do maraschino cherries go bad?” We have also discussed other queries related to the subject at hand.
Hope you found this blog useful. If you have any questions, please let us know.
Citations
https://stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/17646
