Raisins are shriveled, yellowish or purple morsels that are basically dried grapes.
They are used as food toppings, in cereals, bakery items like muffins and much more, as pointed out by Healthline.
Furthermore, they contain a good amount of fiber and antioxidants and are just a great snack in general.
Envision the nutrition of a grape condensed into this compact form factor. Raisins come in a variety of snack packs.
However, the problem most of us face after binge-buying a pack of raisins is that we tend to forget them, only to remember their existence a week after the Best By date.
Since wasting food feels bad, it results in us questioning ourselves, do raisins go bad? If these thoughts seem familiar to you, you have come to the right place.
We are here to explain just about everything about the shelf life of raisins. Continue reading to find out more.
How Long Do Raisins Last? Do Raisins Go Bad?
Raisins give you great bang for your buck because they will last way longer than you want them to.
They have a relatively long shelf life and will serve their purpose well.
They last for:
- About 3-5 months in the pantry if opened
- 6 months in the pantry if unopened
- 9-12 months in the fridge (both opened and unopened)
- Indefinitely in the freezer
These dried grapes can last long enough in the pantry to be consumed.
However, if you want a little more oomph out of your raisins before they go bad, it is best to freeze them.
Refrigeration is also possible, but they are better off being frozen.
If frozen, they will last indefinitely. Keep in mind that while they do last incredibly long when frozen, the taste will degrade with time.
Looking at it realistically, it will be about 1.5-2 years before they start to lose their scrumptious flavor.
In this aspect, raisins somewhat similar to dried beans, as the latter also last indefinitely but start to lose flavor over time.
How to Tell If Raisins are Bad? Raisins Shelf Life!
Raisins do not exactly ‘spoil’ or go bad like traditional fruits such as bananas and pineapples.
Instead, they lose moisture and taste, making them not worth consumption.
Here are some signs to indicate raisins are losing their freshness:
- Sour smell
- Growth of mold
- Hardening
Raisins lose their moisture and tend to harden, but that can be remedied to an extent by letting them simmer in hot water or wine.
Other than that, mold does not typically grow on dried fruit or dried beans, but in humid areas, moisture is a natural consequence, so it is best to keep an eye out for any growth on the raisins.
A thing to note is the aroma of food items. Raisins normally have a tart or fruit-like smell to them, but if they spoil, they will have a far sourer smell.
Conclusion
Raisins truly are an extremely bountiful food not just in quantity but in nutrition and intake as well.
They also freeze extremely well. Might we just have discovered the most futureproof dry fruit?
Jokes aside, storing raisins properly will definitely give you incredible value for your money.
How Long Do Raisins Last? Do Raisins Go Bad?
Ingredients
- Raisins
- Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
- Labels and markers
Instructions
- Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
- Label your container with the content and date and keep track of how much you’re using!
- Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
- If frozen, thaw in the fridge before use. Always check for signs of spoilage before using.
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