Dried fruits are very versatile and have a long-lasting shelf life. They are naturally convenient and can be used even when their fresh equivalents would be out of season. Their lengthy shelf life and high nutritional value make them a popular favorite with parents and fitness enthusiasts who want quality snacks they can take with them wherever they go. However, knowing how to properly store your dried fruits after the packaging is open is very important.
Do Dried Fruits Ever Expire?
Because of how they are preserved, dried fruits can be kept for a very long time, even if you store them in your pantry. At Sunrise Fresh, we recommend storying any opened bags of dried fruit in the refrigerator, even when properly re-sealed. With proper storage, you can keep opened packages of Sunrise Fresh dried fruits in your pantry for up to 18 months. In your refrigerator, you may be able to keep them for up to two years. Freezing them in an airtight container will allow you to keep them indefinitely.
Do Dried Fruits Lose Their Nutrients?
The dehydration process may cause fruits to lose some of their nutrients. Vitamins A, B, and C are commonly the most affected, and some of the minerals. For the most part, however, dried fruits retain the majority of their nutrients. They also maintain all of their fiber content which makes them extremely beneficial for digestion and maintaining regularity.
How Do You Preserve Dried Fruit for a Long Time?
Dried fruit has most of the moisture removed prior to it being packaged. The key to prolonging the shelf life of dried fruit is storing it in an airtight container. An airtight seal prevents moisture from getting inside and will keep bacteria at bay. After opening the package, putting the bag of dried fruit in the refrigerator or freezer will dramatically increase its shelf life.
Why Dried Fruits Have a Longer Shelf Life Compared to Fresh Fruit?
Sunrise Fresh dried fruits have a shelf life of 18 months; a much longer shelf life than raw because all (or at least) most of the moisture has been removed. Since there is little to no moisture available for the bacteria to feed on, the dried fruit will remain edible for a much longer period of time. Moist fruits will more likely spoil within a few days if they aren't kept in a refrigerator.
How Long Is Dried Fruit Good for After the Expiration Date?
If kept properly stored, dried fruits can last for several months after the expiration date. In fact, even if they are just stored in the pantry, they can last from six months to a year after the expiration date as long as the container is airtight and properly sealed after each use. If Sunrise Dried fruits are kept in the freezer, they can be stored indefinitely.
Dehydrated Food Shelf Life Chart
Dried Fruit Expiration Date
| (Unopened) | Pantry | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|
| Past Printed Date | Past Printed Date | Past Printed Date |
| Raisinslast for | 6-12 Months | 1-2 Years | Indefinite |
| Dried Cranberrieslast for | 6-12 Months | 1-2 Years | Indefinite |
| Craisins lastfor | 6-12 Months | 1-2 Years | Indefinite |
| Dried Cherrieslast for | 6-12 Months | 1-2 Years | Indefinite |
| Dried Apricotslast for | 6-12 Months | 1-2 Years | Indefinite |
| Dried Mangoeslast for | 6-12 Months | 1-2 Years | Indefinite |
| Dateslast for | 3-12 Months | 1-2 Years | Indefinite |
| Dried Blueberrieslast for | 6-12 Months | 1-2 Years | Indefinite |
| Dried Plumslast for | 6-12 Months | 1-2 Years | Indefinite |
| Banana Chipslast for | 1-2 Months | -- | -- |
| Figslast for | 3-12 Months | 1-2 Years | Indefinite |
| Chocolate Cherrieslast for | 2-3 Weeks | 6 Months | 1 Year |
| (Opened) | Pantry | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|
| Open Dried Fruitlasts for | 3-6 Months | 6-12 Months | 1* Years |
Chart of Dried Fruit Expiration Date obtained from www.eatbydate.com.
Best Dried Fruits for Long Term Storage
Sunrise Fresh dried fruits are the best on the market when it comes to long-term storage. Because they are harvested at their peak and dehydrated while they are still fresh, they maintain most of their nutrients. The dehydrating process used by Sunrise Fresh ensures that the dried fruits we offer our customers are naturally sweet with no additives or preservatives. Our fruits are perfect for storing and have an extended shelf life.
At Sunrise Fresh, we want to be able to provide you with the highest quality, most nutritious, dried fruits all year long. This is why we go the extra mile to make sure every dried fruit product we produce will withstand the test of time. With proper storage techniques, you can enjoy all of the dried fruit products Sunrise Fresh has to offer all year long.
Sunrise Fresh makes it easy to enjoy “Just fruit... and nothing else!”
FAQs
With proper storage, you can keep opened packages of Sunrise Fresh dried fruits in your pantry for up to 18 months. In your refrigerator, you may be able to keep them for up to two years. Freezing them in an airtight container will allow you to keep them indefinitely.
How long does fresh dried fruit last? ›
Information. Fruits such as dried apricots, prunes, and raisins will keep at top quality in the pantry for six months. After opening, you may wish to store them tightly sealed in the refrigerator to preserve the quality for up to six additional months or freeze them for one month.
Is it OK to use out of date dried fruit? ›
Most dried fruits will last for a year beyond a "best by" date and can be frozen indefinitely, but there are signs to be aware of when questioning if your dried fruit has gone bad.
Does dried fruit preserve nutrients? ›
One piece of dried fruit contains about the same amount of nutrients as the fresh fruit, but condensed in a much smaller package. By weight, dried fruit contains up to 3.5 times the fiber, vitamins and minerals of fresh fruit.
What is the best way to store dried fruit long term? ›
Store in the refrigerator, tightly sealed to prevent the fruit from drying out. Zip-closed freezer bags work well. Sometimes dried fruit, especially figs, will begin to "sugar." These natural sugars are edible and provide a delicate crunch.
How can you tell if dried fruit has gone bad? ›
If the colour looks very dull or faded, or if there are patches of mould growing, then you know it's time to throw it away. Similarly, if the smell is off or you notice an unpleasant odour coming from the bag, this is a sign that your dried fruit has gone bad and should not be eaten.
Which dried fruits are the healthiest? ›
Prunes provide fiber, GI regularity, and calcium to strengthen bones. Dates have been shown to assist with fertility and labor, are the most nutrient-dense of dried fruit options, and have a low GI index (so they don't affect blood sugar levels as intensely).
Does dry fruit lose its nutritional value? ›
The dehydrating process retains a food's original nutritional value. For example, apple chips will have the same calorie, protein, fat, carbohydrate, fiber, and sugar content as the fresh fruit. However, because dried food loses its water content, it's usually smaller in size and has more calories by weight.
Which dry fruits should not be eaten together? ›
Most of us eat Cashews with Dates, and Almonds with Raisins, no doubt thesecombinations are delicious but they are digestive disasters, you are bound to have digestionproblems eating like that. Such combinations are not good for health.
Is dried fruit anti-inflammatory? ›
In studies, dried fruit has been shown to reduce levels of an inflammatory marker called cytokines, when combined with other healthy lifestyle habits like exercise. Dried fruit can also be a good source of antioxidants which can be helpful in combatting inflammation.
Dried fruit has less moisture than fresh fruit, so it doesn't spoil as quickly, but refrigeration can help it maintain its freshness longer. Keep it in the main compartment of your refrigerator for up to six months.
Is it okay to freeze dried fruit? ›
Store nuts and dried fruit in the freezer!
If you're someone who likes to buy in bulk or know that you're not going to use the ingredients straight away, did you know you can keep nuts and dried fruits in the freezer! In fact, dried fruit keeps very well in the freezer and can last up to 12 months when stored properly.
How long does homemade dehydrated food last? ›
Dried foods keep 4-12 months depending on storage conditions. For a longer shelf life, store in a cool, dry, dark place under 60 degrees F. While it is not necessary, dried food (except for meat jerky) can be stored in the fridge to extend shelf life.
How long does dehydrated fruit last in a mason jar? ›
While dehydrated foods are optimally good for up to two years, you may get longer by including oxygen absorbers in airtight containers (either canning jars or mylar bags), to help ensure a longer shelf-life. Some items may last for many years.
How long does dehydrated fruit last if vacuum-sealed? ›
Now back to how long dehydrated food will last if vacuumed-sealed. Vacuum-sealed dehydrated products can last for up to 10 years. This is because the vacuum seal bag prevents oxygen from entering. Bacteria and mold cannot develop or destroy dehydrated food without oxygen.
Should dry fruits be refrigerated? ›
Dried Fruit
Dried fruit has less moisture than fresh fruit, so it doesn't spoil as quickly, but refrigeration can help it maintain its freshness longer. Keep it in the main compartment of your refrigerator for up to six months.
