Stretch the shelf-life of your grapes with these tips.
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No matter the variety, grapes make for a delicious snack, especially when theyre spread across a beautiful charcuterie board (theyre of course also delicious in liquid form, if you catch my drift). But grapes also happen to be a pricier produce item, and can spoil quite quickly if not stored properly. It can also be difficult to pick the perfect bunch of grapes since theyre so tightly clustered together.
Still, there are a few things to look out for when examining grapes at the grocery store. Its always important to make sure theyre firm, plump, and attached to the stem. If you pick up a bag with loose grapes rolling around at the bottom, thats a good indicator that they may be quicker to spoil. And while this may seem like common knowledge, you should also avoid grapes that are moldy, watery, and shriveled at the stem. However, if you see a whiteish coating on a bunch of grapes, thats totally fine. Its called bloom, which is a naturally occurring substance that protects grapes from moisture loss.
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Now that you know how to pick out a stellar bunch, keep reading for tips on how to store grapes so you can enjoy them for weeks at a time.
Have you ever walked into someones kitchen and noticed a big, beautiful bowl of grapes on the counter? While grapes may make for a convenient grab-and-go snack when stored this way, this is the quickest way for grapes to lose their moisture and crispness.
Instead, whole grapes should be washed, patted dry, and then stored in a well-ventilated container in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. This will allow them to last for up to three weeks. Youll want to avoid putting them into an airtight container or plastic bag, since that prevents air circulation. You could also keep whole grapes in the bag they came in if you dont have a proper food storage container.
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If you have leftover cut up grapes, theres no need to toss them just yet! Cut grapes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. If you notice the edges start to dry up and brown, thats finetheyre still safe to eat.
Use any leftover cut grapes as a yogurt or oatmeal topping, or as a bite-sized snack.
Yes, you can freeze grapes. And if youve never had frozen grapes, what are you waiting for?! They make for such a quick and delicious snack or dessertbasically like an all-natural, bite-sized freeze pop.
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To freeze, simply rinse and dry your grapes and spread them out on a lined baking sheet. Place them in the freezer for a few hours or overnight, and once theyre frozen, you can put them in a storage container so theyre easily accessible. Just make sure that your grapes arent clumped together on the baking sheet, otherwise they will freeze together (which I guess isnt the worst thing). If youre feeling especially fancy, you can roll your frozen grapes in coarse sugar to add some extra sweetness. Just make sure you enjoy them immediately!
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How to Store Grapes So They Stay Firm and Fresh - AOL