Cherries and lychee Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
Not recommended
keep it cold
In the fridgeFridge
7 days
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
12 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
Quick answer
Yes. Cherries and lychee last 7 days in the fridge and 12 months in the freezer. After that, or sooner if stored badly, they spoil: watch for the signs below.
How to tell if cherries and lychee are bad
Smell
Fermented, sour or musty odour.
Texture
Soft, mushy or leaking spots, or wrinkled skin with soft flesh.
Colour
Dark bruising that spreads, or browning inside.
Mould
White, grey or green fuzz — discard soft produce; cut firm produce generously.
Cherries and lychee past the expiration date
Best-by and sell-by
FoodKeeper gives unopened cherries and lychee 7 days in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
Past the date
Cherries and lychee past their best-by date are usually safe if stored well; check smell, look and taste before using.
How to keep cherries and lychee fresh longer
- Store unwashed; wash just before eating.
- Keep ethylene producers (apples, bananas, avocados) away from produce that over-ripens.
- Refrigerate once cut, in a covered container.
More about cherries and lychee
FAQ
How long does it take for cherries and lychee to go bad?
7 days in the fridge, per USDA FoodKeeper.
Can cherries and lychee expire?
FoodKeeper gives unopened cherries and lychee 7 days in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
What happens if you eat bad cherries and lychee?
Usually an unpleasant taste rather than illness, but discard anything mouldy, rancid or smelling off.
How do you keep cherries and lychee from going bad?
Store unwashed; wash just before eating.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number