Learn How to Store Grapes: 5 Tips for Grape Storage

Grapes are true berries from the Vitis genus of the Vitaceae family that grow in clusters on grapevines. Skin, flesh, and seeds are the main components of these small, oval fruits that producers have cultivated globally for thousands of years. Seedless grapes are among the most popular varieties—they grow on grapevines that naturally produce fruit without seeds or small, underdeveloped seeds.

Grapes are an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin K, and you can use them to make wine, raisins, grape juice, and smoothies.

There is a direct link between the shelf life of grapes and how you choose to store them. Storing grapes at room temperature will lead them to become inedible within a couple of days. You can prolong their shelf life by refrigerating the fruits, boosting their viability up to a little over a week.

Freeze your grape haul if you plan to use them sporadically over a year or so. Frozen grapes can last beyond that time frame but will taste best within a calendar year of freezer storage.

Grapes are a refreshing snack, but they may be harmful if consumed past expiration. Here are three ways you can identify when you have rotten or inedible grapes:

1. 1. Smell: Grapes will take on a strong odor of acidic vinegar when they begin to rot. When they’re still edible, they don’t possess much of a smell at all.
2. 2. Appearance: Brown discoloration on grapes is a sign that they’re about to become inedible. Immediately discard any moldy grapes, which may cause illness if ingested.
3. 3. Firmness: Fresh grapes are firm to the touch. If your grapes start to feel soft and squishy, they’re on their way to becoming inedible.

Here are some tips for keeping a bunch of grapes fresh for the longest time possible:

1. 1. Buy them as fresh as possible: While shopping, aim to pick up a box, bunch, or bag of grapes that feels firm and looks vibrant in its original packaging. Thoughtfully selecting your grapes will give you a head start on keeping them fresh.
2. 2. Store in a cold place: Avoid storing grapes at room temperature unless you’re serving them the day of purchase. If you plan to serve the grapes within a week, place the bunch in the back of the fridge or inside a crisper drawer with a high humidity setting (away from fruits and veggies requiring lower humidity). To store the fruits for longer, placing them in a freezer at around thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit is optimal.
3. 3. 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.
4. 4. Proper air circulation is key: Grapes require proper air circulation to prevent spoiling. Storing a bunch next to the vent of a freezer or refrigerator will create too much direct contact with air and dry out the fruit as a result.
5. 5. Wash before serving: Once you bring the grapes home, leave them unwashed until you’re close to serving them. When you’re ready to serve the fruit, you’ll need to give them a thorough wash under cold water. Consider rinsing loose grapes in a colander, so they don’t go tumbling down the drain. If you have opted for freezer storage, let them defrost at room temperature before washing. Pat the fruit dry with a paper towel before serving.

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