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 | |
| Raisins last for | 6-12 Months | 1-2 Years | Indefinite |
| Dried Cranberries last for | 6-12 Months | 1-2 Years | Indefinite |
| Craisins last for | 6-12 Months | 1-2 Years | Indefinite |
| Dried Cherries last for | 6-12 Months | 1-2 Years | Indefinite |
| Dried Apricots last for | 6-12 Months | 1-2 Years | Indefinite |
| Dried Mangoes last for | 6-12 Months | 1-2 Years | Indefinite |
| Dates last for | 3-12 Months | 1-2 Years | Indefinite |
| Dried Blueberries last for | 6-12 Months | 1-2 Years | Indefinite |
| Dried Plums last for | 6-12 Months | 1-2 Years | Indefinite |
| Banana Chips last for | 1-2 Months | -- | -- |
| Figs last for | 3-12 Months | 1-2 Years | Indefinite |
| Chocolate Cherries last for | 2-3 Weeks | 6 Months | 1 Year |
| (Opened) | Pantry | Fridge | Freezer |
| Open Dried Fruit lasts 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!”
