It is very important to store cherries unwashed in a sealed container in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Cherries lose more quality in one hour at 68° F than in 24 hours at 32° F. They will keep several weeks if stored properly.

Wash them only when you are ready to eat them. Cherries absorb water and soften. Water also spreads decay. If any cherries show signs of decay, be sure to throw them away as they will affect the other cherries.

Cherries are best when eaten within the first week after they are picked. If you don't plan to use ripe cherries this soon, it is best to freeze them. To freeze cherries, wash and drain them dry, then spread them evenly over a cookie sheet or flat tray and freeze them. When frozen solid, transfer the cherries to a plastic bag. They'll keep up to a year this way.