Grapes are a versatile fruit and they make a delicious snack food whenever a sweet craving hits. Knowing how to store grapes means you can buy plenty at a time and they should stay ripe, crisp, and delicious for as long as possible.
Not only are grapes a popular gift for someone in a hospital, but they're also the foundation of wine! So, whether your preference is red, purple, or green grapes, read on to learn more about storing them and why they're so good for you.
Jump to:
- What are Grapes?
- How to Choose The Best Grapes
- How to Store Grapes
- How to Tell If Grapes Are Bad
- Common Questions
- Interesting Facts About Grapes
- Comments
Ah, grapes - one of the most versatile fruits of all! You can use them in all kinds of recipes from cakes to fruit salads, parfaits, jams, jellies, and beverages.
In fact, grapes also feature in some savory recipes and not just in their dehydrated raisin state. I love to make Elizabethan chicken, which is sliced chicken breast in a nutmeg-spiked cream sauce that includes halved green grapes for a hint of sweetness.
You can buy this delicious fruit from pretty much any grocery store or farmer's market and there are different varieties. They range in color from pale green to dark purple and there are both seeded and seedless grapes to choose from.
Did you know there are also red, yellow, and even dark blue grapes, each kind offering a slightly different flavor?
There are varieties known as table grapes which are what most grocery stores carry. They're usually eaten fresh or made into grape juice. And then you have grapes better suited to winemaking, as well as special varietals such as cotton candy grapes which taste like, you've guessed it - cotton candy.
If you love the sweetness of fresh grapes, you might like to try a Chinese tanghulu recipe that involves coating fresh fruit in a sweet, crunchy glaze. Tanghulu is perfect for special occasions and the kids love it.
You can also use this fruit as a garnish on your favorite dessert recipes. I bet they'd be good as a decoration on mini lemon cheesecakes.
What are Grapes?
Botanically, grapes (Vitis Vinifera) are classed as a berry. They can be enjoyed raw or used in a myriad of tasty recipes. This fruit grows in clusters and it's believed grape cultivation dates back at least 8,000 years, although they've likely been around for millions of years. Peru exports more grapes ($1.25 billion worth in 2021) than any other country, followed by Chile and then the Netherlands.
This fruit is rich in resveratrol and other polyphenols, which are a type of antioxidant. A trace amount of iron is also found in grapes. A cup of grapes gives you approximately 62 calories, Vitamins C and K, potassium, and manganese.
You can find grapes year-round in the produce section of the grocery store, although the peak season for them in the United States runs from August to October. They range from small to large and are typically an elongated sphere shape.
How to Choose The Best Grapes
Good ones should be round and plump. Don't choose anything moldy, shriveled, or discolored. Ripe grapes are firmly attached to the stem. Once they're only loosely connected to the stem, they're beyond their prime. If you see lots of loose grapes at the bottom of the bag, this is not a good sign and I'll usually pick a different bag.
If you do spot some nice, plump ones at a discount, it's always worth grabbing extra, since they will keep for weeks in the refrigerator or months in the freezer. An organic bag of grapes costs a bit more, but they seem to be higher in resveratrol and Vitamin C. They are also typically a little sweeter.
How to Store Grapes
There are a couple of ways to store grapes, depending on how you plan to use them and when you are going to eat them:
- The best way is to place grapes in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. Bear in mind, grapes can absorb the strong odor of other foods, so keep them away from anything smelly like a cut onion or leftover fish from last night's dinner. Refrigerated grapes should last for two to three weeks.
- You can also store them in the freezer, which is great if you enjoy snacking on frozen grapes or grabbing a handful to throw in your blender to make a breakfast smoothie. Be sure to wash and dry them first. They will keep for up to 10 months in the freezer but do not let them come in direct contact with ice. Have you tried frozen grapes? They are nature's sweet treat!
- Even the best grapes will only stay fresh for one or two days maximum when stored at room temperature. So whenever possible, always use the refrigerator or the freezer which are easy ways to extend their shelf life.
Do you have to rinse grapes before popping them in the refrigerator? No, that would be a mistake, since excess moisture speeds up the rate of decay and will cause them to go bad faster. I always wash grapes by rinsing them under cold running water and then I pat them dry with a paper towel before serving or using them in a recipe.
Grapes need air circulation to breathe, which is why they come in a perforated plastic bag. If you were to put them in an airtight container, the high humidity inside the container would become excess moisture and cause them to spoil quicker, so don't do this. The ideal relative humidity is 90%, but they must be able to breathe.
How to Tell If Grapes Are Bad
Bad grapes will be soft, mushy, moldy, or shriveled, and they might have discolored spots on them. Once they've reached this stage, you should throw them out since they won't taste good and will probably give you some stomach issues.
Common Questions
Is the white coating on grapes mold?
Not at all. The white film you sometimes see on them is a harmless, natural, waxy coating called epicuticular wax that helps protect the fruit to keep it fresh for longer. It is perfectly safe to eat but can taste a little chalky, so most people prefer to rinse it off before eating the grapes or adding them to recipes.
Are grapes a suitable snack for kids?
Everyone knows fruit is a healthy snack for kids, but what about grapes in particular? It's recommended to cut them into pieces or mash them before giving them to a child under 4 years old, otherwise, they can be a choking hazard.
What's good to serve with them?
All kinds of grapes make a yummy addition to a fruit bowl, snack platters, or cheese boards. They are amazing with any kind of cheese, and you can add some nuts and deli meats to the platter for a well-rounded snack. I really enjoy red grapes in chicken salad recipes, or you can add them to smoothies and milkshakes, or even enjoy them frozen as an easy snack.
Interesting Facts About Grapes
- It takes 2½ pounds of grapes to make a single bottle of wine.
- Dry grapes naturally turn into raisins when they're left in sunlight and their excess water content evaporates.
- There are more than 8,000 varieties of grapes - how many have you tried?
- It's thought the word comes from "graper" - an old French word meaning to pick off a vine or catch with a hook.
- Table grapes have a thin skin and either tiny seeds or no seeds, while winemaking grapes have thick skins and lots of seeds.
Now you know not only how to avoid a bad bag of grapes, but also how to store them for a long time and a few fun facts you can quote to impress your friends! Whether you prefer your grapes fresh or frozen, added to your morning smoothie, or fermented into wine, there is no doubt they're an incredibly popular fruit.
FAQs
How to Store Grapes to Keep Them Fresh? ›
Your refrigerator is the best place to keep fresh grapes. They thrive at about 30-32 degrees Fahrenheit with 90-95% humidity, so go ahead and throw them in the back of your crisper drawer (it's usually the coldest place in the fridge).
Should grapes be stored in an airtight container? ›Instead, whole grapes should be washed, patted dry, and then stored in a well-ventilated container in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. This will allow them to last for up to three weeks. You'll want to avoid putting them into an airtight container or plastic bag, since that prevents air circulation.
How do you keep grapes fresh longer in the fridge? ›As the experts from the California Table Grape Commission explain, the optimal storage conditions for grapes is 30-32°F with high humidity, about 90-95 percent. This is why the best place to store grapes is in the high humidity crisper drawer in your fridge.
Do grapes stay good longer on the stem? ›Unrinsed stem-on grapes fared best, lasting nearly two weeks before starting to decay. In fact, as long as we periodically inspected the bunches and removed any decaying grapes, most of them—both red and white samples—kept for an entire month. In sum: Don't pull grapes from their stems before refrigeration.
What is the best container to store grapes in? ›The Best Way To Store Grapes
After washing the bunches and gently patting the grapes dry, place them in a well ventilated container such as a colander or a reusable plastic container with vents, and then put this in the back of the crisper drawer.
Minimize Moisture
Covering your grapes is key to preventing them from going bad faster than usual. Store grapes in a shallow dish or bowl, with a paper towel or a single layer of paper towels on top of them; the paper towel will absorb moisture and keep your fruit from spoiling too quickly.
Choose the right container: Storing grapes in an airtight container or plastic bag is not ideal for maintaining their freshness because it blocks circulation. Consider keeping the grapes in their original, ventilated packaging with space between them and direct airflow.
Is it OK to wash grapes before storing? ›Store them unwashed: grapes should not be rinsed before storing them. Any extra moisture from washing will speed up the decay process. Simply remove what you need from the original bag or punnet and rinse when you are ready to enjoy your grapes.
Should I store grapes in water in the fridge? ›The most effective way to make your fruit last longer is to soak it in a bath of water and vinegar, let it dry on a towel, and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
How do you make grapes crisp again? ›Let's put them to use! Preheat your oven to 180°. Rinse your grapes and blanch them for 30 seconds in a pot of boiling water, then quickly transfer to a bowl of ice water. Remove the stems, cut each grape in half, lay them in a single later on a cookie sheet or pan, and allow to dry in the oven for 18-24 hours.
Can you store grapes in a Ziploc bag? ›
In fact, the ventilated bag or plastic box they came in is ideal. Here's why: Grapes need a little breathing room to last as long as possible. Sticking them in an airtight container (like a zip-top bag) creates humidity, which ultimately becomes moisture that accelerates spoilage.
Do grapes last longer in glass jars? ›Yes! it really works wonders for keeping fruit, and other produce fresher for longer. Taking the proper steps before storing fresh fruit in a mason jar can help it last up to twice as long. Fresh fruit will last longer than if stored in plastic grocery store containers and can even help save space in the fridge!
Should you store grapes in a Mason jar? ›One of the best ways to store grapes is in mason jars. Mason jars are airtight and will keep the grapes fresh for a long time. Plus, they're easy to store and look great!
How should boxes containers of grapes be stacked while stored in the refrigerator? ›When buying in volume, gently stack grape boxes in the cooler so that air can circulate around them rather than directly on them. Like most berries, grapes tend to absorb odors. Try to avoid storing them next to green onions and leeks.
How long do grapes last at room temperature? ›How long do grapes last at room temperature? Grapes only stay for a few days if left on the counter – usually between 2 and 4 days. Many depend on how old the grapes are and are treated in the grocery shop or supermarket.
Why should you wash grapes before eating? ›To clarify, the whitish film you often see on grapes isn't from pesticides; it's called "bloom," a waxy coating produced by the plant itself to protect the fruit. While the bloom is safe to eat, it can taste bitter and chalky, so we suggest thoroughly washing your grapes, whether or not they're organic.
How long do grapes last in a Ziploc bag? ›How long are grapes good for in the fridge? Unwashed fresh grapes will last in the fridge in the plastic bag that came in from the grocery store for about three weeks, give or take.
Do grapes last longer if you don't wash them? ›The bloom (that waxy white film on grapes) helps keep the grapes fresh, so it's best to avoid washing it off until you're ready to snack on the fruit For ultimate longevity, keep unwashed grapes in a plastic bag in the refrigerator until you're ready to clean and consume them for a sweet-sour treat.
Is it better to leave grapes on the stem or take them off? ›Do grapes last longer if stored on the stem? Short answer: Yes. Grapes spoil faster once they're plucked off the stem. This is because removing the stem leaves a hole in the grape's skin.
Do you have to buy the whole bag of grapes? ›You don't need to buy the whole bag
Grocery stores put grapes together in bags, probably to keep loose grapes in the bag and to sell more. However, as long as your grocery store sells them by the pound, you can buy only what you need so you don't waste food and money.
Should I wash all my grapes at once? ›
It's tempting to clean your grape bunches all at once, but the best time to wash grapes is right before you eat them. The excess moisture from washing ahead of time will give bacteria more moisture to grow, speeding up the aging process.
What is the white stuff on grapes? ›If you notice a white coating on your grapes, they are still good to eat. This is called bloom and is a naturally occurring substance that protects grapes from losing moisture and decay.
Are grapes good for you? ›Grapes provide both fibre and potassium, which are helpful in their support of heart function including blood pressure. The polyphenols in grapes including resveratrol and quercetin are also thought to benefit the cardiovascular system, protecting it from inflammatory and oxidative damage.
Should grapes sit in water? ›Allow them to soak for 5-10 minutes in the water to get rid of pesticides and bacteria. Avoid soaking your grapes in the sink. This can introduce bacteria onto them and may cause illness.
Should grapes float in water? ›A grape is more dense than water and will sink in regular tap water. As sugar is dissolved into water, the water eventually become more dense than the grape. The grape will then appear to “float” on top of the more dense solution.
How do you make fruit last longer in the fridge? ›- Most fresh fruit, including apples, berries and grapes, will last longer if kept in their original packaging and stored in the crisper of your fridge.
- Berries can last in the fridge for about a week. ...
- Plastic bags with tiny vents (openings) help keep fruit fresh longer by releasing moisture.
Previous researchers have shown that reducing the crop on the vines can speed-up grape ripening, while more intense irrigation later in the growing season can delay the process.
Why do you put baking soda in grapes? ›The US Food and Drug Administration, the US Department of Agriculture and other scientists agree: use a cold water soak with baking soda to effectively help remove dirt, chemical residue, and other unwanted materials from your fresh vegetables and fruits.
What happens if you put grapes in water? ›When grapes are kept in water they gain water due to the process of endosmosis. Endosmosis is the process by which water moves into the cell when placed in a hypotonic medium.
Does keeping fruit in mason jars work? ›By putting the fruits & veggies in sealed jars straight into the fridge. They last about twice as long as they would in the plastic, BUT they won't last that long… because you'll eat them before they have a chance to spoil.
Should I put grapes in a glass jar? ›
Storing Grapes
It is important to store grapes in a glass airtight container when they are completely dry. I prefer a paper towel at the bottom of a gallon sized glass jar, like this one. Put the lid on and place it in your refrigerator. It is normal for some condensation to build up inside of your airtight container.
Wash and stem grapes. Bring a saucepan full of water to a boil on the stove and blanch grapes for 30 to 60 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and load into canning jars, leaving 1-inch headspace. Pour boiling canning liquid over the grapes, maintaining 1-inch headspace.
Why do mason jars keep fruit fresh longer? ›Because mason jars are air tight, they keep the produce from spoiling as quickly.
Does fruit last longer in air tight containers? ›Most refrigerated produce stays fresh longer when sealed, whether in zip-top plastic bags, reusable silicone pouches, or containers with tight-fitting lids. These containers hold in moisture, preventing produce from dehydrating, and they help protect sensitive produce from the effects of ethylene gas.
Do airtight containers keep fruit fresh? ›Certain fruits like berries should be kept in airtight containers — microorganisms in the air can speed up the decomposition process, experts said. This pack of four glass containers from Rubbermaid comes with airtight, leak-proof lids that easily snap on and off, according to the brand.
What happens if you don't refrigerate grapes? ›Berries and Grapes
They can get soft and moldy at room temperature, especially if they were refrigerated before sale. And even if they're not stored in the refrigerator case at the store, most berries and grapes are transported in refrigerated trucks.
For seedless grapes, both red and green varieties can last up to 1-2 weeks in the fridge if stored properly in a plastic bag or container with a damp paper towel to help maintain moisture. Black seedless grapes have a slightly shorter shelf life and typically last around 5-7 days.
Are grapes OK unrefrigerated? ›Yes, grapes need to be refrigerated in order to stay fresh and preserve their flavor. Grapes are highly perishable and can easily spoil if left at room temperature for too long.
How many grapes should you eat a day? ›How many grapes can you eat in a day? About 32 grapes can be considered as one serving. Eating one serving is okay if you are already on a healthy diet and physically active. But otherwise, stick to 8 to 10 grapes a day.
Can you wash grapes with Dawn dish soap? ›The specialist added that dish soaps and bleach are not meant to be used on fruit or vegetables and may cause health effects if used on food.
Why do you wash grapes with vinegar? ›
Washing fruit and vegetables in vinegar is a good way to remove potential bacteria. Use a solution of three parts water and one part vinegar. Plain water is also effective at removing most bacteria. Vinegar will not make produce last longer.
Can you store grapes in an airtight container in the fridge? ›The easiest way to store grapes is to place them, unwashed, into an airtight container and put them in your refrigerator. They can last for just over a week this way, but there are some ways to improve that. Storing your grapes in the back of the fridge, where the air is colder, can go a long way to help.
Is it better to store fruit in airtight container? ›Most refrigerated produce stays fresh longer when sealed, whether in zip-top plastic bags, reusable silicone pouches, or containers with tight-fitting lids. These containers hold in moisture, preventing produce from dehydrating, and they help protect sensitive produce from the effects of ethylene gas.
Should I store grapes in a jar? ›It is important to store grapes in a glass airtight container when they are completely dry. I prefer a paper towel at the bottom of a gallon sized glass jar, like this one. Put the lid on and place it in your refrigerator. It is normal for some condensation to build up inside of your airtight container.
Should I store grapes in Mason jar? ›One of the best ways to store grapes is in mason jars. Mason jars are airtight and will keep the grapes fresh for a long time.
Do grapes last longer in a Ziploc bag? ›In fact, the ventilated bag or plastic box they came in is ideal. Here's why: Grapes need a little breathing room to last as long as possible. Sticking them in an airtight container (like a zip-top bag) creates humidity, which ultimately becomes moisture that accelerates spoilage.
Does fruit last longer in Ziploc bags? ›Benefits to preserving fruit and vegetables in zipper bags: Long shelf life: Properly stored in zipper bags, preserved fruit and vegetables can last for several months, depending on the type of produce and storage temperature.
Can I put fruit in Tupperware? ›Better Health Australia advises to store food in suitable, covered containers. Fear not, Tupperware has created fruit and vegetable storage containers to rectify produce not lasting as long as it could!
Does storing fruit in mason jars make them last longer? ›Step Five: Store It
By putting the fruits & veggies in sealed jars straight into the fridge. They last about twice as long as they would in the plastic, BUT they won't last that long… because you'll eat them before they have a chance to spoil.
Directions: Store your grapes unwashed : in order to keep your grapes fresher for longer, it is best to store grapes in the fridge unwashed and in their original bag. Any extra moisture from washing will speed up the decay process. Simply rinse what you need just before serving or adding to a recipe.
Should you wash grapes? ›
To clarify, the whitish film you often see on grapes isn't from pesticides; it's called "bloom," a waxy coating produced by the plant itself to protect the fruit. While the bloom is safe to eat, it can taste bitter and chalky, so we suggest thoroughly washing your grapes, whether or not they're organic.