Expiration & Storage Tips
When does Fruit Salad expire?
An unopened canned fruit salad could last from 1 to 2 years past the printed date when properly stored in a cool, dark place like a pantry. However, quality may start to degrade after about a year. Once opened, canned fruit salad stays good for 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator. Fresh homemade fruit salad typically lasts for 3 to 5 days when stored in the refrigerator. A frozen fruit salad can last for 2 to 3 months in the freezer but might start to lose quality after a month due to crystallization of the fruit's water content.
How do you tell if Fruit Salad is bad?
Tell-tale signs of a bad fruit salad include a foul or off-heavy smell that differs significantly from the fresh, sweet scent of the fruits. The texture changes as well: fruits may become overly mushy, slimy, or exhibit visible mold. The color of the fruit may also change, with browning or darkening being common in spoiled fruit salad. If the salad was sealed, a bloated or leaking package is also a sign of spoiling.
Tips for storing Fruit Salad to extend shelf life
• Refrigerate your fruit salad as soon as possible to slow down the oxidation process, which is what causes the fruit to brown.
• Use airtight, resealable containers to store your fruit salad. This will keep out excess air and moisture that could spoil the salad faster.
• Add a little bit of lemon or lime juice to your fruit salad. The Vitamin C in these fruits slows down the browning process and keeps your salad looking fresh longer.
• If freezing, consider storing your fruit salad in individual portions. This allows you to only defrost what you need and prevents the whole salad from becoming soggy and discolored.
• When defrosting, do it slowly in the refrigerator. Avoid defrosting your salad at room temperature as it can promote bacterial growth.