How to Store Grapes: 16 Best Ways to Store Grapes for Maximum Freshness
Updated on March 2, 2023
Grapes are a fantastic fruit with a ton of health benefits. But it can be tricky to enjoy them for a long time since they tend to rot quickly. Learn how to store grapes by following our simple tips.
Grapes are a delicious and healthy snack that you can enjoy fresh or use in various recipes. If you grow grapes in your garden, you probably have an abundance of them and may be wondering how to store them so that they stay fresh for as long as possible. There are a few ways to do so, whether you want to eat them fresh, marinate them, turn them into snacks or jams, or something else.
How to Store Grapes in 16 Easy Steps
Storing grapes isn’t challenging, especially when following some basic rules to preserve these fruits for as long as possible.
If you find that no matter how hard you try, your grapes are getting old before you can eat them all, you can try several tricks to keep this problem under control:
1. Discard Bad Grapes
Choose plump grapes without any bruises or mold. Wash the grapes gently and let them dry before storing them in a plastic bag with holes and putting them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
2. Refrigeration Is Key
Keeping the grapes in the fridge helps slow down the aging process, but they’re even better when stored outside of the fridge for short periods.
3. Check Room Temperature Conditions
It’s best to keep grapes at room temperature for around 45 minutes before refrigeration. You can use a shallow bowl to store your grapes, which should be wiped down before putting them in the fridge. After an hour of cooling, place the grapes in a fruit-specific container to maximize space and make it easier to remove individual fruits.
4. 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.
5. Allow Air Circulation
Grapes require air circulation to prevent humidity, so it’s best to avoid airtight containers for storage purposes. Instead, make sure that your grapes have plenty of air to breathe by placing them in a plastic, punctured bag.
6. Check Fridge Conditions
When storing grapes in the fridge, it’s best to place them in the vegetable drawer since it’s usually the coldest part. They require a temperature of about 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) and 90% humidity.
7. Absorbing Smells
Avoid storing grapes with food that gives off a strong odor, like onions, because they will quickly absorb the smell.
8. Avoid Other Produce
Grapes produce ethylene gas naturally as they age. When you put them next to other produce, it can speed up the process. So make sure to separate all fruit and vegetables, especially when bananas are involved.
9. Not Washing Grapes
You can store unwashed grape bunches wrapped in a moist paper towel and then aluminum foil at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. This will prevent shriveling and keep the grapes from drying out.
10. Best Way to Store Cut Grapes
Spray the counter with water, pat off excess moisture with paper towels, cover with dampened cheesecloth (allow some slack), place plastic wrap over the top of the cheesecloth (touching but not covering), and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
11. Grapes with Seeds
When it comes to grapes with seeds, it’s best to keep them unwashed for 2 to 3 days at room temperature and wash them only before eating. That’s because washing may spread mold spores onto the fruit.
12. Seedless Grapes
You can wash and store seedless grapes in a single layer for up to 2 or 3 days in the refrigerator. Another idea is to place them on a paper towel and let them dry for 30 minutes before storing them in a plastic bag for up to 1 week.
13. Grapes Past Their Prime
If your grapes have passed the peak of perfection, it’s best to use them as soon as possible. You can freeze them for up to 2 weeks, but don’t thaw before using since they will be mushy.
14. Freezing Grapes
You can freeze grapes as whole bunches or as individually quick-frozen (IQF) grapes. This way, you can dump the grapes into a container and use them whenever you want to cook or make fresh grape juice. However, you should not refreeze grapes after thawing them.
15. Canning Grapes
It’s possible to can grapes and keep them stored under these conditions for up to 1 year in an acidic brine. You don’t need sugar or an acidic syrup with added sugar.
16. Drying Grapes
If you want to dry grapes, make sure they are seedless. Wash them thoroughly and slice in half if desired. Place them on a tray in a single layer and allow to dry for 3 to 5 days. If the grapes are very moist, it may take longer.
How to Store Grapes (FAQ)
Discover more helpful information about storing grapes.
Do grapes need to be refrigerated?
Yes, it is essential to keep grapes cold to maintain their freshness.
How long do grapes last in the fridge?
Grapes will last in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just make sure to put them in a plastic bag.
Can you freeze grapes?
Yes, it’s possible to freeze grapes but not advisable. In this case, it’s best to use them in smoothies or baked goods or to make juice. Grapes can also be canned in syrup if you want to use them later for pies and jellies.
How to wash grapes?
The best way to wash grapes is by gently rinsing them under cold running water and letting them dry in a colander.
What’s the best way to store grapes with stems?
You can store grapes with stems by wrapping them in a moist paper towel and aluminum foil. Keep the paper towel damp by spritzing it every 12 hours. To prevent shriveling, place plastic wrap over the top of the aluminum foil (but not touching).
How long are grapes good for?
Grapes usually last between 1 and 2 weeks if properly stored. However, they may stay fresh for a few days longer if they are frozen or made into grape juice.
What is the best way to store grapes with seeds?
It is important to store grapes with seeds unwashed for 2 to 3 days at room temperature since washing may spread mold spores onto the fruit.
What do grapes do for you?
Grapes are awesome fruits that can be eaten as they are or made into juice, jams, raisins, and dried grapes. They’re filled with essential nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and magnesium.
What are the best grapes to freeze?
Any type of grape can be frozen, but it is essential that they are harvested at their peak ripeness.
What do grapes smell like?
Grapes give off a strong, musky odor. They also have a sweet taste.
What are the best grapes to eat?
The best types to eat are seedless grapes. They’re sweeter and have fewer seeds than other varieties.
What are the signs of bad grapes?
If you buy grapes from the store, it’s important to inspect them thoroughly before buying. If the fruits have brown or moldy parts, it’s best to avoid them. Also, if the grapes are shriveled or mushy to touch, it means they will quickly rot. The best grapes are soft, but not mushy or dried out.
Can dogs eat grapes?
No, dogs cannot eat grapes. Although these fruits aren’t poisonous to your canine friends, they can cause symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
Final Thoughts on Storing Grapes
As you can see, there’s no secret behind the proper storage of grapes. Still, it’s important to follow the steps correctly in order to enjoy this delicious produce for as long as possible. Plus, you won’t have to take so many trips to the market just to enjoy fresh grapes.
What are your favorite tips and tricks for how to store grapes? Let us know in the comment area below.