8 Essential Tips for Keeping Fresh Cherries

4. Utilize the Freezer for Long-Term Storage

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If you have abundance and wish to greatly increase the shelf life of cherries, freezing is a great way to preserve them. Freezing not only keeps the fruit's great taste but also preserves its nutritional worth for cherry aficioners. First, gently wash your cherries under lukewarm water to get any grit or debris out. Once cleaned, pit the cherries; this will help them to be more readily used later. Although you may cut the cherries in half and use a knife to remove the pit if you do not have a cherry pitter, it is a useful tool for this chore. Arange the cherries in a single layer on a baking tray following cleaning and pitting. This is a very important stage since it keeps the cherries from freezing together and avoid clumping. To get the cherries solid, chill the baking tray for a few hours. Freeze the cherries; then, pack them in sealed freezer bags or airtight containers. Eliminating as much air from the bags before sealing them will help to prevent freezer burn. Mark the bags with the date so you may monitor their freezing times. Frozen cherries kept properly should last up to a year. There is no need to defrost them first whether you intend to use them in baked goods, sauces, or smoothies; you can just toss them frozen and they will thaw during cooking. Ultimately, one of the best methods to keep cherry fresh and delicious is to store them long term in the freezer. Long after cherry season ends, you may savour their great taste and nutritional value by properly washing, pitting, and freezing them. Freezing is a sensible way for any cherry enthusiast wishing to prolong their enjoyment of this delicious fruit since it allows flexibility in how you could use cherries in different recipes.