For anyone who’s ever bought a bunch of grapes only to promptly forget them, this is the question of the year: how long do grapes last in the fridge? We know the answer.
Shelf Life Basics
Before we go into the finer details of grape preservation, let’s go over the shelf life basics. Generally, grapes last for a couple of weeks in the fridge.
This doesn’t apply to grapes that’ve been on the supermarket shelf for a while. If your grapes are already a little wrinkled, they should be eaten quickly.
Whole grapes also last longer than cut grapes. Once grapes are cut, their average shelf life dwindles down from a couple of weeks to a couple of days.
Signs of Spoilage in Refrigerated Grapes
So, the image above is an extreme case. Obviously, if your grapes are completely covered in multiple types of mold, you shouldn’t eat them.
There are other, less obvious indicators of spoilage, though. Nutritionist Theresa Gentile told Simply Recipes that a sour smell or taste is a sure sign.
If eating a sour grape sounds too gross, though, don’t worry. You can usually tell just by looking at them. Spoiled grapes tend to be shriveled and brownish.
Humidity and Grape Freshness
Humidity actually has a big impact on your grapes’ freshness. According to Grapes from California, exposing grapes to too much moisture can reduce their longevity.
However, you don’t want to store them in a completely dry environment, either. They thrive in places with 90 – 95 % relative humidity.
So long as your grapes aren’t exposed to too much water, you should be fine. Your fridge’s crisper drawer is the perfect home for them.
The Impact of Packaging
When it comes to how long grapes last in the fridge, packaging also has an impact. While airtight packaging works for some fruits, it’s ineffective for grapes.
This is because grapes need a certain amount of air circulation to stay fresh. Without it, your grapes will spoil and shrivel at a more rapid rate.
If you’ve ever wondered why grapes are sold in those hole-riddled bags, that’s why. You should probably just keep them in those bags, instead of re-packaging.
When to Freeze Grapes Instead
Unfortunately, grapes don’t always last in the fridge. Thankfully, grapes can also be frozen, but how do you know when to freeze rather than refrigerate?
If you’re saving your grapes for later recipes or cocktails, freezing may be the best option. When frozen, grapes can last for months at a time.
To freeze, keep your grapes in the bag they came in. Make sure that they have access to air flow and are completely dry before being frozen.
Organic vs. Non-Organic Grapes
Do organic grapes last longer than non-organic grapes? Or is it the other way around? Well, grapes are part of EWG’s Dirty Dozen list.
This doesn’t have to do with storage, but buying organic grapes can help you avoid pesticides. As far as storage goes, organic grapes can last a little longer.
Non-organic grapes last up to two weeks, while organic grapes can last up to three (per Farm Fresh Bangalore). Ultimately, it’s up to how you store it.
Grape Varieties and Shelf Life Differences
So, we’ve talked about the storage differences between organic and non-organic grapes. But what about grape varieties? Are there any storage differences between them? Well, not really.
There are different ways to tell if they’re fresh, though, which factor in to proper storage. Black grapes, for example, should look more purple than pitch black.
Purple grapes, on the other hand, should be more reddish, with no hint of green. They should also be shiny, regardless of the type (per The Kitchn).
Ethylene Production
Unless you’re a science geek, you probably don’t know too much about ethylene. Basically, it’s a type of gas released by fruits and veggies that quickens ripening.
Grapes are no exception. Thankfully, you don’t need to know about the ins and outs of ethylene production to know how long grapes last in the fridge.
Still, ethylene production is crucial to their ripening process. If you’d like to learn more about the scientific side, there’s tons of research on it.
To Wash or Not to Wash
As we mentioned earlier, grapes are part of the Dirty Dozen. Obviously, you should thoroughly wash them as soon as possible. Right? Well…not quite.
Yes, grapes need to be washed. But you shouldn’t do so right away. Grapes shouldn’t be exposed to too much moisture, and that includes washing.
So, when should you wash grapes? Don’t wash them at the same time. Instead, wash only the grapes you plan on eating, right before you eat them.
Making Grapes Last Longer
What are some ways you can make your grapes last longer? Honestly, the best and most effective way would be to rinse, dry, and freeze them.
You should always keep them in breathable containers, avoiding airtight ones at all costs. There’s another trick that can help you with cleaning and preserving grapes.
Vinegar (combined with water) can help you thoroughly clean them. If you buy non-organic grapes, vinegar can help you remove pesticides from their skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do grapes last longer on the stem or off?
You may be tempted to pluck the grapes off the stem, but don’t move so fast. Grapes actually last longer when they’re kept on the stem.
Dr. Elizabeth Mitcham explained to The Kitchn that grapes undergo “small injuries” when plucked. This leaves them more exposed and prone to rapid aging.
The best way to keep your grapes fresh is to avoid plucking them until you’re about to eat them. Otherwise, keep them on the stem.
What’s the white stuff on grapes?
Have you ever seen grapes dusted in a fine, white powder? Not all grapes have this, but it’s common enough that you’ve probably seen it before.
This doesn’t mean that the grapes are spoiled. This phenomenon is called “bloom.” It comes from natural waxes on different kinds of fruits — not just grapes!
For the fruits where bloom does occur, it can be a sign of freshness. Plums and blueberries are also among the fruit with bloom.
So, Do Grapes Last That Long in the Fridge?
If you’re worried that your grapes will spoil after a few days, you’ve got nothing to worry about. Grapes can last for a pretty long time.
There are a multitude of factors that all affect grapes’ freshness. Proper storage, freezing, and type of grape all determine how long they’ll last.
Regardless, your grapes should be fine for a couple of weeks or so. For more fruit facts and fun grape-related recipes, visit our blog!
