How Long Do Grapes Last? Shelf Life, Storage, and Preservation

The Shelf Life of Grapes

Grapes are one of the most popular fruits, known for their sweet, juicy taste and versatility. They can be enjoyed fresh or used to make wine, juice, jellies, and vinegars. With their many uses, it's common to buy more grapes than you can eat right away. This leads many people to ask: how long do grapes last?

The shelf life of grapes depends on a few key factors:

Grape Variety

There are three main types of grapes: table grapes, wine grapes, and raisin grapes. Table grapes are types like Thompson seedless, red globe, cotton candy grapes - those meant for fresh eating. Wine grapes include cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and riesling. Raisin grapes refer to types like Thompson seedless that are dried into raisins. The different grape types have slightly different shelf lives.

Storage Method

How the grapes are stored makes a big difference. Keeping grapes properly refrigerated at high humidity allows them to last longer. Storing them at room temperature, especially in dry air, shortens their shelf life. The ideal storage is in a perforated plastic bag in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.

Condition of the Grapes

The condition of the grapes when purchased also affects how long they will last. Grapes that are damaged, bruised, or moldy won't keep as long as grapes in good condition. Checking for damage before buying and handling grapes gently helps maximize their shelf life.

How Long Do Grapes Last Refrigerated?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, different grape varieties have the following approximate shelf lives:

Table Grapes

Table grapes like Thompson seedless can last around 7-14 days when refrigerated. The key is storing them in a perforated plastic bag in the high humidity crisper drawer. Mist grapes with water if they start to shrivel before using them.

Wine Grapes

Wine grapes don't keep quite as long as table grapes, lasting approximately 5-7 days in the refrigerator. Use the same storage method as table grapes, in a humid crisper drawer in a perforated bag. Check wine grapes frequently and remove any grapes that start to mold.

Raisin Grapes

Grapes destined for raisins have a shorter shelf life, around 3-5 days refrigerated. They are more delicate than other grape varieties. Mist them with water if they start to dry out and remove any molded grapes promptly.

Maximizing Refrigerated Grape Storage

Follow these tips to get the longest shelf life out of your refrigerated grapes:

Inspect Grapes Before Storing

Look at each grape cluster before refrigerating. Remove any grapes that are already damaged or moldy. This prevents the decay from spreading.

Use A Perforated Plastic Bag

Place grape clusters in a plastic bag designed for produce. The perforations allow air flow to prevent mold growth. This maintains higher humidity around the grapes.

Store In The Crisper Drawer

The crisper drawer is the ideal place to store grapes. It regulates temperature and humidity. Make sure to keep the humidity settings high if adjustable.

Mist The Grapes

If grapes start drying out during storage, give them a light mist of water. This adds moisture to their environment and keeps them fresh longer.

Remove Moldy Grapes

Check grapes daily and promptly remove any grapes that start to mold. This prevents decay from spreading to the rest of the bunch.

How Long Do Grapes Last At Room Temperature?

Grapes will last longer under refrigeration. At room temperature, here are the approximate shelf lives:

Table Grapes

Table grapes like Thompson seedless may last 3-5 days at room temperature. Keep them on the countertop away from direct sunlight. Mist them with water if they start to shrivel.

Wine Grapes

Wine grapes don't fare as well at room temperature, lasting only 2-3 days. Mist them with water and remove any molded grapes promptly.

Raisin Grapes

Grapes destined for raisins will only last about 1-2 days at room temperature. They tend to deteriorate rapidly when not refrigerated.

How To Tell When Grapes Go Bad

Watch for these signs that refrigerated or room temperature grapes have gone bad:

Mold

Grayish fuzz or white spots appear on the grapes. Mold spreads quickly to the rest of the bunch once it starts.

Shriveling

The grapes start to wrinkle and look deflated. Refrigerated grapes can be revived by misting them with water.

Softening

As grapes go bad, they start feeling abnormally soft or mushy. Healthy grapes should be fairly firm.

Off Colors

The grapes may start turning brown or take on an unusual hue. For white grapes, grayish areas appear.

Off Odors

There's a sour, fermented scent when sniffing bad grapes. Trust your nose - if the smell seems off, the grapes have spoiled.

Taste

Rotten grapes taste unappetizing, with odd flavors. Don't taste grapes you think may be spoiled!

Freezing Grapes

Freezing grapes when you can't eat them fast enough extends their shelf life significantly. Here are some freezing tips:

Wash and Dry

Rinse grapes thoroughly in cool water and pat dry before freezing. Excess moisture can cause ice crystals to form.

Remove Stems

Cut or pluck grapes off their stems before freezing. The stems can degrade the quality of frozen grapes.

Spread in a Single Layer

Arrange cleaned grapes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This prevents them from freezing into a clump.

Freeze Quickly

Put the baking sheet of grapes in the freezer uncovered. Fast freezing maintains texture and flavor.

Bag for Storage

Once fully frozen, transfer grapes to an airtight freezer bag or container. Properly stored, they can last 8-12 months.

Rinse Before Using

When ready to eat frozen grapes, rinse them briefly under cool water. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.

Drying Grapes into Raisins

Dehydrating fresh grapes makes them last for months. Follow these steps:

Clean and Dry

Wash grapes thoroughly, pat dry, and remove from stems for drying.

Coat in Olive Oil

Brush grapes lightly with olive oil. This prevents them from sticking as they dry.

Dehydrate

Arrange grapes in a single layer on dehydrator trays. Dehydrate at 115F for 24-36 hours.

Check Doneness

Grapes are done when they look shriveled and feel dry. They should not be sticky.

Condition and Store

Place dried grapes in an airtight container for 3-5 days to condition. This evens out moisture. Then enjoy raisins or store.

Preserving Grapes

Grapes also make tasty preserved foods that greatly extend their shelf life, such as:

Jams and Jellies

Cook grapes into sweet spreads. Processed jams and jellies can keep 12+ months refrigerated.

Juices

Grapes make delicious juice. Pasteurized, bottled grape juice lasts 6-9 months refrigerated.

Vinegars

Fermenting grape juice makes wine vinegar. It can keep 1-2 years stored properly.

Pickled Grapes

Fresh grapes can be pickled in vinegar. Pickled grapes keep 4-6 months refrigerated.

The Bottom Line

Grapes are a tasty, versatile fruit. With proper refrigerated storage, most grapes keep 1-2 weeks. Freezing grapes extends their shelf life significantly. Turning grapes into raisins, preserves, juices, vinegars, and pickled grapes also lets you enjoy their flavor long term. Keep grapes fresh and flavorful by handling them gently, refrigerating promptly, and monitoring their condition.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.