You can enjoy the fresh bunch of grapes before the fruit changes if you know how to keep them properly.
The secret to getting the finest flavor and texture from the fruit is proper storage, whether you choose to consume your grapes by the bunch, as part of a cheese and charcuterie platter, or in a smoothie.
Because grapes aren’t the cheapest produce in the grocery store, it’s important to keep them as fresh as possible to prevent wasting ruined fruit.
Remember that excellent grape eating begins in the grocery store before we discuss the dos and don’ts of grape care. Be cautious when choosing grapes since you want to choose bunches that are largely undamaged. A few stray grapes in the bottom of the bag are acceptable, but it’s preferable to go on to another bag if there are more grapes off the stem than on it. This is because too many loose grapes suggest that the grapes might not be very fresh. Additionally, while acceptable to consume right away, stay away from produce bags with a lot of loose fruit if you want to keep it for more than a few days.
The Ideal Grape Storage Method
Although a bowl of grapes left out on the counter may appear attractive and appealing, this is not the best technique to keep the fruit fresh.
You should keep grapes in a container in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer if you want them to stay crisp and flavorful (i.e., not mushy).
Grapes should be placed in a well-ventilated container, such as a colander or reusable plastic container with vents, and then placed in the back of the crisper drawer after being cleaned in bunches and gently patted dry. Because the grapes need to be exposed to the cool air of your refrigerator in order to keep their freshness, plastic bags or airtight containers with no ventilation aren’t a smart choice.
Should Grapes Be Refrigerated?
The California Table Grape Commission advises that grapes be immediately chilled. The thin-skinned fruit thrives in temperatures between 30 and 32 degrees Fahrenheit, with a relative humidity of 90 to 95 percent. It’s better to keep grapes in a separate section of your fridge from stronger-smelling foods like leeks, scallions, and ramps because they will absorb their aromas.
How Much Time Do Grapes Keep?
Grapes can keep for up to three weeks when placed in crisper drawer of refrigerator in well-ventilated containers.
However, cut grapes have a significantly shorter shelf life; after being split, you should only expect to receive a few days’ worth of fresh grapes.
Can Grapes Be Freezed?
Even though you may eat frozen grapes all year round, they are a delicious summer treat. Grapes may also be frozen very easily.
All you have to do is wash, dry, and separate the grapes from the stems. On a baking sheet covered with parchment paper or aluminum foil, spread out the individual grapes. Once they are completely frozen, transfer them to another container to free up freezer space. Place the tray in the freezer for several hours or overnight.
Eat by the frozen handful or, for a more indulgent treat, sprinkle on ice cream.
How to Keep Grapes Fresher for Longer
Grapes can be stored in the fridge for up to three weeks if they are purchased at their peak freshness. Keep in mind that fruit spoils most quickly when it is stored on a counter.
After being frozen, grapes can be eaten for around a year. Any longer than that runs the danger of the fruit’s flavor being lost entirely or mostly.
Grapes that are moldy or mushy should be thrown away. Even if the color and outward appearance of your grapes appear to be good, they may have turned if they start to feel rather soft and not at all firm to the touch.
Make sure the grapes are being stored in the appropriate container. They must not only be stored among other fruits that require high humidity for maximum freshness (such as strawberries, melons, and unripe bananas), but also have air moving around them.
After cleaning, you can return the bunches of grapes to their original packaging and put the bag in the fruit crisper drawer because grapes are normally packaged in ventilated bags.
