Raisins are a pantry staple for those who keep them on hand for a sweet snack or to flavor a recipe for oatmeal raisin cookies.
Do they ever need to be refrigerated, even though many people keep them in their pantry? Is it ever necessary to refrigerate dried fruits if they are already well-preserved?
Yes, under specific conditions. According to Still Tasty, raisins can be preserved at room temperature for 6 to 12 months if stored in an airtight bag or container.
However, if they are in a humid climate, it is recommended to preserve them in the refrigerator. Otherwise, moisture in the air can undermine the raisins' natural preservation.
Dry goods exposed to humidity can grow mildew and deteriorate, says Polygon Group. They advocate a climate-controlled environment to limit food wetness.
Because of how well it controls humidity and temperature, the refrigerator is perfect for storing raisins.
In a non-humid environment, they will last roughly the same amount of time in the pantry as they would in the refrigerator, with little chance of deterioration.
Another option is to freeze raisins, which will increase their shelf life by up to 18 months.