Dried Cherries
Naturally sweet and tart for trail mixes and muffins, your go-to baking essential.
What it is
Dried cherries are fresh cherries that have had their moisture removed through dehydration, concentrating their natural sweetness and extending their shelf life. Most dried cherries come from tart cherry varieties that are dried whole after pitting.
Flavor and texture
Intensely sweet with a pleasant tartness, similar to raisins but with a more complex, fruity flavor. The texture is chewy and slightly sticky, with a satisfying bite.
Best uses
Add to oatmeal, yogurt, and cereal for breakfast; mix into salads, grain bowls, and stuffing; use in cookies, muffins, and trail mix; pair with nuts and cheese on charcuterie boards.
Storage & freshness
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry away from direct light.
| As purchased | 6-12 monthsdepends on turnover and bin conditions |
| Sealed (pantry) | 1-2 yearsif kept airtight and cool |
| Refrigerated | 2-3 yearsextends shelf life significantly |
| Frozen | 3-5 yearsindefinite storage possible |
Durations are for best quality. Safe to consume longer if no spoilage signs present.
May become harder over time but are still safe to eat — soaking in warm water can restore some softness.
Cooking tip
Soak dried cherries in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to baked goods to prevent them from absorbing moisture from your batter and becoming too hard.
Interesting note
Tart cherries naturally contain small amounts of melatonin, a compound also produced by the human body.