dried fruit storage (b.b.e.Jan/Feb 08)

dannie

I have previously store bought dried natural raisins and natural sultanas. They are still in their original light thin plastic containers that seems flimsy around the seals. I have read, however, that dried fruit has a very long storage date if stored correctly.

Some of the raisins have a speckled grey/white colour so am wondering whether these have simply been exposed to light or are deteriorating in freshness? Would it be even better to transfer to glass sealed jars and keep stored in a dark cupboard? Can the speckled raisins be kept with them?

Thanks.

charliee_3

sorry.. so they are BBE Jan feb 08.. and you want to store them more?? why dont you just use them up?? i have to suggest that if you havent used them in nearly 2 years or more you probably arent going to use them and they will just sit in the cupboard getting more and more wizened for the next 2 years till you finally admit you arent going to use them.. ever...

bake a cake.. today....christmas is coming... do a pudding or an xmas cake.. or make mincemeat..

jennyjelly

Definitely use them for mincement. Grated apples,, orange and/or lemon zest & juice, suet, sugar and whatever dried fruit you have, boil 'em up, simmer for a bit, add a good slug of brandy , rum or whisky, into hot jars, lids on, bob's your uncle.

I'm living proof of the preservative properties of booze

dannie

Thanks for your comments charliee - "long story" why I've not used them up by now(!) Also,thanks for the recipe ideas by yourself and jennyjelly.

Nevertheless,I've been thinking about the use of jars to preserve food so that was really uppermost in my mind for my thread.Thanks.