Expiration & Storage Tips
When does lychee expire?
If kept at room temperature, lychees will last for a week. Once they are peeled and the fruit is exposed, they should be eaten within a day. Storing lychees in the refrigerator allows them to last for up to 3 weeks if they are unopened. Once opened, try to consume within a week. They can also be frozen, especially if you're planning on using them in a cooked dish or smoothie. Freezing them will make the lychees last up to 12 months, but remember to defrost in the fridge when you're ready for use.
How do you tell if lychee is bad?
You can identify a spoiled lychee in a few ways. The color of the fruit changes to a dark brown, and a strong, unpleasant odor may emanate from it. Upon touching, if the fruit is squishy or excessively soft then it is a clear indication that the lychee is bad. Inside, the seed might have a greenish mold or slime. The taste of a bad lychee will also be off, more sour than the normal sweet taste of a healthy lychee.
Tips for storing lychee to extend shelf life
• Avoid washing lychees before storing them, as moisture can speed up the spoiling process.
• For refrigerator storage, it's best to put the lychees in a breathable bag, like a brown paper bag.
• If you're planning on freezing your lychees, remember to peel and deseed them first. Then store them in an airtight container or a freezer bag.
• To get the most flavor from your lychees, try using immediately after defrosting as repeated freezing and thawing can result in loss of flavor and texture changes.