Unlock the Secret to Long-Lasting Grapes: Simple Storage Tips You Never Knew You Needed!

Grapes—those little globes of juicy goodness that seem to whisper “snack time!” as you pass by them in the grocery aisle. Ever wondered how these delicious orbs manage to bring a splash of sweetness to everything from salads to wine? Packed with nutrients like potassium and vitamin K, grapes can be both a blissful treat and a brain-boosting snack. But here’s the kicker—those tasty buds can spoil faster than a good Netflix show gets old. If you’re tired of tossing out mushy grapes after just a few days, stick around! We’re diving into how to pick the perfect bunch and store them like a pro, ensuring your grapes stay fresh and fabulous for weeks to come. Ready to become a grape guru? Let’s go! [LEARN MORE](https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/how-to-store-grapes?utm_source=RSS#inline-text-1)

Of all the delicious fruits out there, grapes are among the most popular. No matter which variety you prefer, this sweet snack is chock-full of nutrients (like potassium, copper, and vitamins B and K) and may be a good way to boost your overall cardiovascular health, among other potential benefits.

But as good as grapes are, these bite-size treats can go bad quickly. If you leave them out on the counter at room temperature, they can spoil within just two to four days. For grapes that stay fresh and juicy for potentially weeks at a time instead of mere days, here are a few important things to keep in mind.

How to Pick the Best Grapes

First of all, picking the best grapes is half the battle when it comes to extending shelf life. Look for bunches that are plump and firm, as well as securely attached to the vine. Stems that look somewhat green are usually in good health; if they’re shriveled and brown, it can be an indicator that the grapes are on the older side. Also, you may want to avoid grabbing bags with lots of loose fruit at the bottom, as grapes off the vine are likely to spoil faster than those that are still attached.

If you spot a pale, almost white coating on your grapes, don’t be alarmed. Known as bloom, this residue is created from the natural waxes on the surface of the fruit and may help to lock in moisture. One thing you do want to avoid, however, is eating grapes raw. As this produce can get pretty dirty, rinsing off before eating is generally recommended, although some experts claim you should hold off until you’re ready to chow down, as washing grapes too early could speed up the fruit’s deterioration.

How to Store Whole, Cut, and Frozen Grapes

In terms of storage, be sure to keep the grapes in a well-ventilated container (like the bag or clamshell they came in), then slip it in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer to promote air circulation. This could help them last for up to three weeks at a time. If you opt to cut your grapes, you can store them in an airtight container in your fridge and they should stay fresh for up to 48 hours—like a bottle of wine.

Want to make them last even longer? Consider freezing them. If properly stored, frozen grapes can stay good for up to three months. To do this, simply rinse and dry off your grapes, then spread them out on a lined baking sheet. After chilling them in your freezer for a few hours (or overnight), transfer them to a storage container and you should be good to go.

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A version of this article was originally published in 2023 and has been updated for 2024.