Raisins are a tasty and healthy snack, but did you know that improper storage can ruin their taste and texture? Learn how to store raisins the right way with this informative guide.
So, how to store raisins? The best way to store raisins is to put them in an airtight container. Then, it would be best if you put that container in a cool and dry place. Storing them in the freezer or refrigerator is an excellent option to extend the lifespan of the raisins as well.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about storing raisins. Let’s dig in.
In This Article
How to Store Raisins
The best advice I can give you about storing raisins is to store them in a dark, cool, and dry place. Light, moisture, and heat should be avoided entirely to maximize shelf life.
But there’s more. Don’t expect nothing will happen to your raisins in their original container. They often come in a cardboard container that can be easy for bugs to dig into.
So, if it came in a cardboard box, you should take them out of its cardboard box and store them in an airtight container.
If possible, try to store them in smaller containers. When you open a container, it’ll get exposed to air quickly, and chances are you won’t eat a 1-pound portion of raisins at the same time. So, what I like to do is I like to store them in half-pint canning jars.
Throw an oxygen absorber into each canned jar can to keep them extra fresh.
After you throw in some oxygen absorbers, storing them in a really cold place can extend their shelf life by 1.5-2x what it typically is. Freezing raisins are the best option, but a refrigerator can also extend its shelf life significantly.
Why Should You Store Raisins?
Storing raisins is an excellent choice because they’re delicious snacks, can be used for baking, and can be given to the kids to keep them quiet for a while.
Dried grape is filled with all sorts of nutrients like vitamin B6 and vitamin K, which helps with the nervous system and blood clotting. Raisins are also antioxidants that protect your cells from free radicals.
In addition, they’re great sources of potassium, iron, and magnesium, which help to regulate blood pressure, oxygenate your blood, and strengthen your bones. There are more nutrition facts than these, but this covers the bulk of it.
They are natural sweeteners and can be used as a replacement for sugar to provide you with a healthy and delicious snack.
Raisin Shelf Life
Commercially bought raisins are a survival food with a long shelf life of around 12 months, like most dried fruit. For best quality, it’s recommended to use the raisins within six months.
Sun-dried raisins will not last as long. In my experience, they go bad after around three months. This is because sun-dried raisins typically do not have the same preservatives commercial raisins have.
On the other hand, frozen raisins will often last 18-24 months. So, if you have have extra space in your freezer, I’d seriously consider adding the raisins in. Just note that storing it in the freezer for extended periods of time can reduce its flavor.
Container Options
There are plenty of options you can use to store raisins. Containers like mylar bags, mason jars, and vacuum seal jars are your best options.
Mylar Bags
Mylar bags are my favorite because they block off the light and keep the temperature relatively stable. The food-grade plastic will keep the raisins clean and will extend their lifespan significantly.
You should buy portion-sized mylar bags because like I said before; you probably won’t be eating a pound of raisins in one go – or at least you shouldn’t be. Go for smaller, snack-sized bags to use your raisins over a longer period of time.
I like to store a few mylar bags in my bugout bag since they’re so space-efficient and lightweight.
Finally, oxygen absorbers are a must-have; you should throw one in for sealed bag.
A Mason Jar
Mason jars are another fine option. Its glass body and airtight lid make it a stylish option for preppers alike. The downsides are that it doesn’t shield it completely from light and isn’t space efficient. There will almost certainly be air on the very top that takes up space.
Nevertheless, if you decide to use mason jars, you’ll need a desiccant on top of the jar to keep it far away from sunlight and heat. Additionally, you shouldn’t tighten the jar too much or else moisture pockets will form.
Last Words
Storing raisins is simple. All you need to do is find a cool, dry place and put them in an airtight container or bag, along with an oxygen absorber. If you want to extend the shelf life of raisins, store them in a freezer or refrigerator.
How’d you like this article? Did you learn anything new? Have any extra advice for storing raisins? If you do, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments down below. Keep prepping!
