Do you know there are over 8,000 grape varieties from about 60 species worldwide? That’s a crazy figure, isn’t it? No matter what type, this fruit is chock-full of essential nutrients. But unfortunately, they aren’t in season all the time.
So, it can be tempting to store grapes for the future. But how long do grapes last in the fridge? What about a freezer?
This article will entail absolutely everything you need to know about storing grapes properly and much more. Stay tuned!
Table Of Content
How Long Do Grapes Last In The Fridge?
How long grapes last in the fridge depends on how you store them. For example, if you store grapes dry in a ventilated container in the fridge’s crisper drawer, the grapes will remain fresh for up to 3 weeks.
Keep in mind that the grapes should be completely dry before being stored in the fridge. If they’re wet, they’ll get freezer burn within a couple of days.
Before we move on to the do’s and don’ts of storing grapes, let’s find out how long can different types of grapes last in the fridge. I don’t have the information available for all 8,000 varieties, but below are the answers for some of the most common grape varieties.
How Long Do Green Grapes Last In The Fridge?
If stored correctly, green grapes can last in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Just make sure the grapes are completely dry before you store them. If there’s moisture, they will get freezer burn in no time.
Green grapes are mostly grown in Italy and Spain. They are packed with nutrients like potassium and fiber that help to lower blood pressure by regulating the cardiovascular system.
There are about 71 calories in 100 grams of green grapes.
How Long Do Red Grapes Last In The Fridge?
When stored correctly, red grapes last about 3-4 weeks in the fridge. However, if wet or stored the wrong way, they will go bad in a couple of days.
This variety is loaded with essential nutrients, especially vitamins E and C, that contribute to healthy skin.
There are about 70 calories in 100 grams of red grapes.
How Long Do Black Grapes Last In The Fridge?
Like green and red grapes, black grapes can last a couple of weeks in the fridge when stored correctly. You should store the grapes once they’re dried in a ventilated container in the fridge.
Black grapes are heralded as the healthiest choice of all, and it’s quite true. Black grapes contain a higher amount of antioxidants than green or red grapes.
There are about 70 calories in 100 grams of black grapes.
Despite the color difference, it looks like all grapes more or less have the same shelf life. It all boils down to how you store the grapes in the first place.
For instance, if the grapes are wet at the time of refrigeration, they will get freezer burn and rot within a couple of days. So, what’s the correct way to store grapes? Let’s find out.
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How To Store Grapes So They Last Longer?
At room temperature, grapes will go bad within a couple of days. Therefore, you need to store them in the refrigerator. Grapes should be kept at the back of the fridge where it’s colder or inside a crisper drawer with a high humidity setting.
The grapes are best kept at about 30-32 degrees Fahrenheit with 90-95% humidity.
By the way, grapes can easily absorb odors. So, make sure you do not store them next to smelly food like fish or onions.
Don’t Wash The Grapes Before Storing
When you buy a bunch of grapes, it can be tempting to douse the fruits as soon as you get them. But don’t. You’d want to keep the grapes as dry as possible before storing them.
Even if you wash them, make sure they’re completely dry before refrigeration. Ideally, you should only wash the grapes right before you eat them.
That’s because if the grapes have excess moisture on them, it will accelerate the decaying process quite significantly. Microorganisms like yeast, bacteria, and mold require water for growth, energy, and reproduction.
In a study carried out by Cook’s Illustrated magazine, all the rinsed grapes went bad within a couple of days even though they were dried as much as possible later.
So, only wash them before you eat them.
Let The Grapes Breathe
I came across a few sites that recommended storing grapes in an airtight container, but I’d advise against it.
Storing grapes in an airtight container like a ziplock bag will result in excess humidity, which ultimately becomes moisture and speeds up the spoilage process.
Let the grapes breathe. Store them in a ventilated bag or simply the plastic box they came in. if you’ve already tossed the original packaging in the bin, you can use any well-ventilated container.
Keep The Stems On
Grapes spoil faster when they’re plucked off the stem. So, keep the stems on. I spent about 30 minutes trying to find out why exactly do the grapes last longer when you keep the stems on but couldn’t come to a conclusion.
However, in a study conducted by Cook’s Illustrated magazine, unrinsed and stem-on grapes fared the best – lasting up to two weeks before showing signs of decay.
Remove Spoilt Grapes
This step is as painstaking as they come, but you should never skip it. The grapes decompose because fungi, bacteria, and microorganisms invade the fruit and release enzymes that cause rot.
Remove any on-the-verge or rotten grapes as soon as you see them every time you open the fridge door.
The More You Know
Can You Freeze Grapes? For How Long?
Yes, you can freeze grapes. Reportedly, you can freeze grapes for over a year in mint condition. Put the grapes in a freezer-safe plastic bag or container and toss them in the freezer.
Frozen grapes make excellent snacks on a hot day. You can also add them to smoothies.
How To Select Grapes?
Selecting grapes at the grocery store can be puzzling when you don’t know what to look for. Suddenly, this seemingly effortless, easy-peasy task will feel tricky.
Anyway, here are a few things to look for the next time you buy grapes:
Fresh and healthy grapes are round and plump. Discard any shriveled, discolored, or showing signs of molding.
Inspect for stem attachment. If the stems are brittle and dry, the grapes will fall off and go bad quickly. Make sure you buy grapes that are firmly attached to the stem.
The thin, white stripes you see on grapes are known as bloom and are actually good for the fruit. It is a natural waxy layer that protects grapes and keeps them fresh for much longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Grapes Go Bad In The Fridge?
Yes, grapes can go bad in the fridge. If you store wet grapes in the fridge, they’ll go bad no matter how cold the temperature is. The grapes should be completely dry and stored in a ventilated container.
How Can You Tell If Grapes Have Gone Bad?
The grapes will turn brown or moldy once they have gone bad. They’ll also lose their firmness and give off a funky smell.
How Long Can Grapes Stay In The Fridge?
Grapes can stay in the fridge for 3-4 weeks if stored correctly. The grapes should be dry and stored in a ventilated container.
How Long Do Washed Grapes Last In The Fridge?
Washed grapes will only last a couple of days in the fridge, according to an experiment carried out by Cook’s Illustrated magazine.
Final Words: How Long Do Grapes Last In The Fridge?
To sum it up, you can store grapes in the fridge for 3-4 weeks if you keep them dry in a ventilated container. Keeping the stems on helps to increase their longevity.
Remember, you should never wash the grapes before you store them. There’s a good chance the grapes will rot in a few days, even if you dry them properly afterward.
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