When properly stored, grapes can last in the fridge for about two weeks. The best way to store grapes in the fridge is to keep unwashed, in their original perforated bag, or in a breathable container. Stored in this way, the grapes maintain their freshness, and moisture buildup (which can cause mold) is minimized, and they can last between 5-15 days.
Storing your grapes in the fridge is all about how well you keep them. Where in the fridge should you keep grapes? Also, it might depend on whether you are storing green grapes or red grapes. Can you freeze them to last longer?
Let's walk through everything you need to know about storing grapes, from refrigeration tips to freezing for long-term storage.
Do Grapes Need to Be Stored in the Fridge?
The simple answer is “yes". Not only is it totally alright to store your grapes in the fridge, but the best way to store grapes is actually to put them in the fridge. Grapes are highly perishable, and a fridge maintains their freshness and crisp texture. Grapes soften and spoil quickly when left at room temperature for too long.
How to Store Grapes in the Fridge
To keep your grapes fresh for as long as possible in the fridge, follow these simple steps:
- Keep them unwashed: Do not expose your grapes to any moisture until you are ready to eat or serve them. Moisture speeds up spoilage, so only wash grapes right before they are to be eaten.
- Store them in the original perforated bag: Grapes come in a bag with tiny holes. These tiny holes in the bag allow air circulation, preventing excess moisture buildup. To
- Use a ventilated container if transferring them: If you remove them from the original bag, choose a container with ventilation or leave it slightly open.
- Place them in the crisper drawer low humidity area: The crisper drawer is the section of the fridge that maintains the right temperature to keep your grapes fresh.
- Turn the Package Regularly: If you are storing a large number of grapes, turn the package each day so all the grapes get proper ventilation.
- Eat from the Bottom of the Package First: When it is time to eat, take the grapes at the bottom of the package first.
- Check for Spoilage: Remove any grapes that are soft or moldy and remove them quickly. This prevents them from spoiling the rest.
If your fridge has high- and low-humidity drawers, place the grapes in the low-humidity drawer (often labeled as “fruit” or “crisper”). Grapes release some natural gases that can cause other produce to ripen too quickly.
How Long Do Grapes Last in the Fridge?
If stored properly in a perforated bag or ventilated container and placed in a low-humidity area in the fridge, grapes can last from 7 to 14 days. They may even last longer if you turn the package regularly, take out the soft and moldy ones, and always eat or serve those at the bottom of the package first.
How Long Can Grapes Last Out of the Fridge?
At room temperature, grapes stay fresh for 1 to 2 days before they start softening and losing their firm texture.
If you plan to consume your grapes quickly, then storing them on the counter is fine, but refrigeration is best for longer storage.
Should You Wash Grapes Before or After Storage?
It is advised to wash grapes after storage when you are ready to eat or serve them, not before.
Grape bloom is the thin, white, waxy substance that covers the outer layer of the grapes; it protects the grapes from moisture loss and decay. Once the bloom is washed off, the grapes lose their natural protection and will decay faster.
How to Store Grapes After Washing
As a general rule, washed grapes spoil faster than unwashed grapes. However, if you've washed more grapes than you can eat or serve in one sitting, you can still store them properly and prevent them from spoiling too soon.
Follow these tips:
- Dry the grapes thoroughly to remove any excess moisture that could promote mold growth.
- Place them in a container lined with paper towels to absorb any leftover moisture.
- Leave the container slightly open to allow proper airflow (which prevents excess moisture buildup).
- Store in the fridge’s crisper drawer.
If you properly follow these tips, you can preserve your grapes for up to about 5 days even after washing.
How to Wash Grapes Properly
Properly and thoroughly cleaning your grapes helps remove dirt, pesticides, and bacteria, which may be harmful to your health. Here’s the best way to clean grapes:
- Rinse under cool running water to remove surface debris.
- Rub gently with your hands or a soft brush to clean the skin.
- For a deeper clean, you can soak them in a vinegar-water solution (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) for a few minutes.
- Drain well, and pat dry with a paper towel before eating or storing.
How to Freeze Grapes for Long-Term Storage
Freezing grapes is a fantastic way to enjoy them for months while preserving their flavor and nutritional value. Here’s how:
- Wash and dry the grapes thoroughly
- Remove stems (optional) – This helps prevent freezer burn.
- Spread grapes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.**
- Freeze for 2-4 hours or until completely solid.
- Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and remove as much air as possible.
- Label the container with the date and store it in the freezer.
How Long Do Frozen Grapes Last?
Frozen grapes can last up to 12 months in the freezer when stored properly. You can use your frozen grapes in the following ways:
- Eat them as a refreshing frozen snack.
- Use them as ice cubes in water, wine, or cocktails.
- Blend them into smoothies or sorbets.
- Thaw in the fridge if you prefer softer grapes.
Best Fridges to Store Your Grapes
1. Commercial Solid Door Reach-In Freezer 18.7 cu. ft. Capacity
This solid door refrigerator is designed for smaller kitchens, this solid reach-in refrigerator has a total capacity of 18.7 cu. ft, enough space to hold all your grapes, fruits vegetables and, desserts, and even frozen foods for your home or business.
- Adjustable temperature range of -11 to 14°F
- An auto defrost design to prevent frost or ice buildup.
- 5 adjustable shelves, with each capable of holding up to 88 lb.
- A smart door that automatically closes when opened to 90°
- A Cubigel compressor and copper evaporator for fast and even cooling
- Certified for safety and quality by ETL, ETL Sanitation, and DOE
2. 81'' Commercial Solid Door Reach-In Refrigerator 61 cu. ft. Capacity
This commercial reach-in refrigerator is perfect if your commercial kitchen deals in large amount of grapes, and other perishable items like eggs, milk, vegetables, and fresh produce.
- A total volume of 61 cu. ft., and a temperature range of 32-50°F
- A stronger Cubigel compressor and copper evaporator
- An auto-defrost design that prevents frost or ice buildup.
- 15 adjustable shelves, with each capable of holding up to 88 lb.
- LED lights light up, allowing you to empty or stock up your refrigerator with ease.
- Certified for safety and quality by ETL, ETL Sanitation, and DOE
More from Wilprep
These are just a few of the commercial display refrigerators in Wilprep’s collection. If you are still undecided about which model best suits your business needs, you can refer to Wilprep’s official website for more options.
Wilprep’s collection of commercial refrigerators contains a variety of models, including display refrigerators and open-air models to suit the needs of diverse businesses.
In addition to top-quality refrigerators, Wilprep offers other kinds of kitchen equipment to take your business to the next level.
Check out Wilprep’s commercial convection ovens, commercial gas ranges, and even soup kettles.
Final Thoughts
Storing grapes properly ensures they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Whether you keep them in the fridge for short-term storage or freeze them for long-term use, following these simple tips will help you make the most of your grapes. Try these methods and enjoy fresh grapes whenever you like!
Do you have any favorite ways to use frozen grapes? Let us know in the comments!
