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Readers: How long does cannoli stay fresh?

To freeze or not to freeze — that is the question.

Trays of cannoli at Mike's Pastry in Boston's North End. (David Lyon for the Boston Globe)

By Claudie Bellanger

1 minute to read

One of the most notorious cannoli questions is a classic Boston argument—Mike’s, Bova’s, or Modern—but there’s an even more delicious debate that must be settled.

How long does cannoli stay fresh?

Locals and tourists have long compared beloved North End establishments Mike’s Pastry, Bova’s Bakery, and Modern Pastry for their cannoli. One Reddit thread on the topic has over 100 replies.

“Modern all the way…fresh filled while you wait. Mike’s only if you want flavors no self-respecting Italian would order, i.e., strawberry, [O]reo, limoncello, amaretto,” posted one Reddit user.

“Modern’s cannoli shells are better. Very satisfying crispness. More likely to stay tubular on first few bites. Mike’s ricotta filling is better. Fresher tasting and less cloyingly sweet,” posted another user. A common consensus in the thread seems to be that the three different bakeries are all good at different things.

Cannoli at the Fisherman’s Feast in 2023.

The internet answers seem to divided. Some say two days, some say two weeks. Some people even propose that cannoli can last in the freezer for months. Golden Cannoli, a cannoli factory based in Chelsea, says that unfilled shells and filling by itself can last in the freezer for up to a year. But when filled, the crispy shell can turn soggy if not consumed quickly.

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On Mike’s Pastry’s website, the company notes that they only offer overnight shipping for their cannoli because their kits are “highly sensitive products, and must arrive the next day in order to ensure freshness and integrity.”

We’d like to hear your thoughts: How long do you think cannoli stays fresh? What’s the best way to store them? Share your thoughts by filling out the survey below or sending an e-mail to [email protected], and your response may appear in an upcoming article.

How long does cannoli stay fresh?

Would you keep cannoli overnight? Would you take it on a flight? Share your cannoli wisdom, and preferred method to store them.
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