How to Store Grapes (Keep Them Fresh Longer!)

Grapes are a great source of nutrition and full of benefits like vitamins B and K, but sometimes storing them can be a little finicky. But don’t fret over fickle grapes because we’ve got some tips on choosing the best grapes and keeping them fresh and crispy.  

How To Choose Fresh Grapes

If you want your grapes to last, the first step is finding grapes that are as fresh as possible in the grocery store. Look for plump and firm grapes with vibrant colors. Try to find grapes still attached to green and pliable stems and undamaged skins. You shouldn’t be able to smell the grapes too much.  

Keeping Grapes Fresh Longer

Here are some tips on how to keep your grapes fresh longer:

• Choose grapes that are firm and vibrantly colored with the stems attached and undamaged
• Keep grapes unwashed and in their original container if possible. 
• If you want to wash your grapes before storing them, make sure to dry them off as much as possible. I like to use a salad spinner and a hand towel. 
• Store the grapes in the crisper drawer in the fridge with the humidity levels on high or in an airtight container in the coldest part of the fridge.

How To Store Grapes In The Refrigerator

The California Grape Association suggests that the ideal temperature to store grapes is 30-32 °F with a lot of humidity to keep them firm and crisp. Store grapes in the fridge’s crisper drawer to replicate this low temperature and high humidity level. If you don’t have a crisper drawer, you can keep grapes in an airtight container by the coldest part of your fridge, but away from the vents to prevent dehydration. 

How Long Do Grapes Last In The Fridge?

To keep your grapes fresh longer, you don’t need to do anything besides plopping them into your crisper drawer in the fridge. Properly stored grapes that are unwashed and left in their original container can stay fresh for up to two weeks or even longer. 

How Long Do Grapes Last On The Counter?

Grapes left on the counter can last up to two to four days versus two weeks in the fridge with proper storage. We wouldn’t recommend keeping your grapes on the counter because they do best in cold temperatures and highly humid environments. Keeping them on your counter can cause them to ripen faster and wilt. 

Should You Wash Grapes Before Storing Them?

To keep grapes fresh and plump, try to disturb them too much. For example, when you wash your grapes, any excess water left on the grapes can run the risk of encouraging mold to grow in the container. Washing may also cause grapes to break away from their stems, leaving an opening for mold to grow. 

How To Store Grapes After Washing Them

If you choose to wash grapes before storing them, it’s essential to dry them as much as possible to prevent molding. I like to spin them through a salad spinner and use a hand towel to remove excess water.