How to Store Grapes So They Will Last for Weeks

How to Store Grapes So They Will Last for Weeks

HomeCooking Tips, RecipesHow to Store Grapes So They Will Last for Weeks

Grapes are a universally loved fruit. Their sweet and slightly tart flavor is a delight to add to a salad recipe or smoothie or to eat on their own as a simple snack. However this sometimes expensive fruit is quite susceptible to spoilage and will not last long when stored at room temperature. So if you have a large batch that you want to use over a longer period of time you need to store them properly to avoid waste. The secret to ensuring they last for weeks is refrigeration.

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Many cooking professionals recommend chilling grapes without washing them (to avoid excess moisture that can quickly spoil them) and then storing those little balls in the perforated bag or container they came in before refrigerating them. This cooling method is good but it will only keep your grapes fresh for two weeks. If you want your produce to last even longer you’ll want to start with a vinegar bath.

First cut the grape vines into small bunches. Place them in a large bowl with water mixed with ¼ cup of white distilled vinegar gently shake the fruit to wash it and let it soak for a few minutes. Drain rinse and dry the produce thoroughly before placing it in an airtight glass jar with a paper towel on the bottom. Finally place the jar in the refrigerator. The grapes can last for at least three weeks this way and sometimes even up to six weeks.

Behind every successful kitchen habit there is often a scientific explanation and the same goes for this cooling method that preserves grapes for weeks. Soaking the fruit in a vinegar bath first is the biggest step because the acidity in the vinegar prevents mold growth and kills any bacteria that may be on the surface of the fruit preventing (or at least slowing down) the rotting of the grapes. Additionally vinegar washes off that white substance on your grapes called bloom (which is safe to eat but not everyone’s favorite) and therefore helps with a deep clean.