Tag: Dried fruit storage

According to the USDA, dried fruits like prunes can maintain their quality for up to six months in a pantry. While this long shelf life suggests you can leave prunes unrefrigerated, the best practice and duration depend heavily on whether the package is sealed or has been opened.

While the low moisture content in dried fruit makes it more shelf-stable than fresh produce, it is not immune to spoilage. Understanding what happens if you don't refrigerate dried fruit is key to extending its freshness and ensuring food safety, particularly after the package has been opened.

According to the USDA, dried fruits can maintain top quality in a pantry for six months, but refrigerating them after opening can extend that period significantly. So, **are you supposed to keep prunes in the refrigerator** to keep them fresh and prevent them from spoiling before you can enjoy them all?