Ah! Grapes – the tiny orbs of sweet and juicy goodness! Grapes like every other fruit are best when eaten fresh. So, have you ever wondered how long you could keep grapes in your fridge before they start to lose their freshness?
Ideally, Grapes kept in the fridge can last up to 2-3 weeks.
However, simply preserving their freshness is not enough. There are certain things to keep in mind if you want to harness the full benefits2 of fresh grapes.
How to wash grapes?
Washing grapes doesn’t sound complicated, does it?
Sadly, this is where many people go wrong. You should always wash grapes only before eating them.
The ideal way to wash grapes is to first let them soak for about 10-15 minutes. This will help remove harmful pesticides and bacteria.
If there are any spoiled grapes, remove them. Lastly, dry them before eating.
DO NOT wash grapes before storing them in the refrigerator.
How to tell if grapes have gone bad?
Typically, spotting a bad grape is no rocket science!
You can use your three senses (sight, smell, and touch) to identify a bad grape.
The easiest sign of a spoiled grape is wrinkled skin. Another way to tell if grapes have gone bad is if you get a distinctive sour odor.
Lastly, a spoiled grape will also have an abnormally soft texture.
How to save grapes that have gone bad?
If you are able to identify the initial signs of spoilage, you may prevent the grapes from completely rotting.
Luckily, even if your grapes do go bad, you can still salvage them in different ways.
The best way to make use of a spoiled grape is to make raisins using an oven or a dehydrator.
Another method is to dry them in the sun or oven. This will remove their natural sweetness, and you can pair them perfectly with salads or grains.
Can you freeze grapes?
Yes, you can freeze grapes!
And the best part about freezing grapes is that it is extremely simple and quick.
Typically, if you want to freeze grapes, it is best to remove the stems first. Or, even better, buy seedless grapes.
It is also essential to wash and dry them properly before putting them into the freezer. Frozen grapes make for a great (chilling) summer treat!
Do grapes need to be refrigerated?
Well, that depends! If you’re planning to eat them right away, you don’t need refrigeration.
However, if you want to keep the grapes for a long time without spoiling them, refrigeration is crucial. Refrigeration1 is one of the best ways to keep the grapes fresh.
Grapes that are kept in the open can only last up to 3-5 days. On the other hand, refrigerated grapes can retain their freshness for up to 2-3 weeks.
How to store grapes?
If you are serious about keeping your grapes fresh for a long time, knowing how to store them properly is crucial.
The ideal method to store grapes is to keep them in an air-tight container and refrigerate them. It is important to remember NOT to wash them before storing them on your fridge.
Washing grapes before refrigerating them can reduce their shelf life.
Grapes also absorb odors quickly. Thus, it is not recommended keeping them close to fruit/vegetables like onions and apples.
Conclusion:
Grapes are an excellent choice of fruit. Not only are they sweet and juicy, but they are also extremely healthy.
However, they tend to lose their freshness quickly if not stored properly. Luckily, by handling and refrigerating them properly, you can extend their shelf life. The above information should give you a good head-start on keeping your grapes fresh for a long (long) time.
References:
- https://www.healtholino.com/how-long-do-grapes-last/
- https://beezzly.com/how-to-store/how-long-do-grapes-last-in-the-fridge
- https://stalebydate.com/how-long-do-grapes-last/
- https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Grapes
It’s also important to note a few things about grapes before continuing. Grapes are known to absorb odours and this can be a problem when you place them next to certain other food items in your refrigerator. Grapes can be placed in an airtight container before being put in the fridge too but you’ll want to make sure that there is no moisture present before doing so.