Rhubarb Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
Not recommended
keep it cold
In the fridgeFridge
3–7 days
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
Not listed
no FoodKeeper figure
Quick answer
Yes. Rhubarb lasts 3–7 days in the fridge. After that, or sooner if stored badly, it spoils: watch for the signs below.
How to tell if rhubarb is 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.
Rhubarb past the expiration date
Best-by and sell-by
FoodKeeper gives unopened rhubarb 3–7 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
Rhubarb past its best-by date is usually safe if stored well; check smell, look and taste before using.
How to keep rhubarb 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 rhubarb
FAQ
How long does it take for rhubarb to go bad?
3–7 days in the fridge, per USDA FoodKeeper.
Can rhubarb expire?
FoodKeeper gives unopened rhubarb 3–7 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 rhubarb?
Usually an unpleasant taste rather than illness, but discard anything mouldy, rancid or smelling off.
How do you keep rhubarb 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