Buying and Storing Cherries: What Do You Have to Pay Attention to?

Cherries are not among the climacteric fruits that continue to ripen after picking. Therefore, when you buy cherries, choose ripe ones. Because these don’t keep that long, you should eat or process the stone fruit as soon as possible.

Make sure the fruit looks plump and shiny. Ripe cherries can also be recognized by their stalks: they should be green and smooth. If it is still attached to the fruit, this is also a sign of freshness. On the other hand, if the stalk is missing, the resulting opening offers a target for putrefactive bacteria and the cherry spoils faster. Cracks and bruised areas should also be seen as warning signs. Cracks indicate that the fruit has suffered from too much rain, while bruises are evidence of improper handling. In both cases, the shelf life of the cherries is shortened.

After purchase, it is important to store the cherries properly. It is best to place the fruit in a jar with a lid. This should be lined with crepe paper to absorb excess moisture. In addition, open a corner of the lid so that condensation water can escape. Cherries will keep in the fridge this way for about two days. However, it is better if you buy the cherries and eat them soon afterwards – at the latest three days after purchase, cherries lose their shine and aroma, even if they are stored carefully. In addition, cherries are healthy when they are as fresh as possible.