How I Keep Cranberries From Going Bad Before I Use Them

Fresh cranberries keep for about 4 weeks in the fridge in their original bag or a breathable container, and they freeze well for up to a year without thawing first, straight into whatever you're making.

Fresh cranberries scattered across a white background.

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Quick Steps

Store unwashed cranberries in the fridge in their original perforated bag, or a container with some airflow, moisture is what makes them go bad fastest. Sort out any soft or discolored berries before storing, one bad one can speed up spoilage in the rest of the bag. To freeze, spread them on a tray first to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag, this keeps them from clumping into one solid mass.

Why This Method Works

Cranberries are naturally low moisture and keep longer than most berries, but trapped moisture in a sealed bag speeds up mold, a breathable container solves that.

Freezing without washing first avoids adding extra moisture to the surface before they go into the freezer, which helps prevent ice crystals and freezer burn.

You do not need to thaw frozen cranberries before cooking, they go straight into sauce, baked goods, or a relish frozen, they even hold their shape a bit better that way.