Raisins are nutritious snacks that can also be used as an ingredient. You can add it to cakes, cookies, and other savoury dishes. As you already know raisins are made of dried grapes. Now the question is do raisins go bad? Or how long do raisins stay good? We will answer all of that in this post.
Contents
What is the shelf life of raisins?
Raisins are a type of dried fruit that is made from grapes. They can last as long as a year after their “best by” date provided that you store it in the freezer.
The shelf life of raisins depends on plenty of factors including drying methods and storage. The most common question asked by people is “do raisins go bad after opening?” Once you open a packet of raisins, they can last up to 6 to 12 months in your pantry past the printed date.
But if you store them in the refrigerator, they can last for 1 or 2 years. If you want it to last longer than 2 years, then you should freeze it.
Does this lead us to the question do raisins go bad in the heat? You see raisins contain moisture. This is why you should keep it away from heat and light. It can go bad or dry out due to excessive heat.
For those wanting to know “how long do unopened raisins last?” An unopened pack of raisins will last up to 6 to 12 months in a pantry. In the freezer, it can last more than 2 years.
Although raisins are dried fruits, they are perishable items. There will come a point when they will go bad even if you store them in the freezer. Over time, the quality of raisins degrade and it affects the texture and taste of the raisins as well. This is why you should finish it over before it goes bad.
If your pack of raisins has hardened over time, you can revive it by adding hot water. Alternatively, you can also rehydrate them in a bowl of fruit juice. Some people also use liquor to rehydrate raisins. Adding liquor can enhance the flavour and taste of raisins. This makes a great ingredient for baked goods such as cookies, fruit cakes, etc. Here is the answer of – Do raisins go bad?
How to tell when raisins go bad?
As mentioned before, raisins are perishable items, which means they can go bad after a certain amount of time. Now the question is how do you know when raisins go bad?
Just like all other fruits, raisins show certain signs that indicate it has gone bad. If your raisins look moldy or you notice any organic growth, it means it has gone bad.
Spoiled raisins may have a tangy or sweet odour. Plus, it also changes in colour. Other signs of spoilage include a sour or bitter taste. It will feel hard to chew and less flavourful.
If their appearance remains the same, you can eat one or two pieces to check their condition. But if the texture, odour, taste, and colour have changed, you should throw it away immediately. You should not use bad raisins in any baked goods or other items.
Many of you want to know “do raisins go bad if not refrigerated?” Raisins that are stored in the pantry have a shorter shelf life. But they don’t go bad. It can last up to 6 to 12 months in the pantry.
Should I refrigerate raisins?
If you want your raisins to last for a long time, then you should store them in the refrigerator.
Different Variations Of Raisins: How long do they last?
You get plain raisins and then you have raisins that are covered in chocolates, yogurt, and whatnot. We already know about the shelf life of plain dried raisins. But what about chocolate-coated or yogurt-covered raisins? Let’s find it out.
Do chocolate-covered raisins go bad?
Chocolate-covered raisins can go bad if not stored properly. When stored in the refrigerator, they can last up to 6 to 12 months easily. Make sure you keep them away from heat and moisture.
Do yogurt-covered raisins go bad?
As far as yogurt-covered raisins are concerned, they can be stored for 1 year in a refrigerator. You need to store them in a cool and dry place for them to last longer.
Do golden raisins go bad?
As long as you keep them dry and store them correctly, they can last for a long time. Golden raisins usually last up to 6 months.
Do golden raisins soaked in gin go bad?
Gin-soaked raisins are said to be good for arthritis. It can last for several months provided you store it in the refrigerator.
Raisins are delicious and good for health. If you want to extend the shelf life of raisins make sure you store them properly.
Check out How long do Dates last? to know more about Dates.
Also, Check out our article on Can you freeze Sweet potato?
