Grapes add a burst of flavor to your meals while offering a ton of health perks. Still, their delicate skin and the way they come in big bunches can leave you wondering how to wash and store them best. Using the right washing tricks and storage methods not only keeps your grapes fresh but also helps preserve their nutritional goodness.
Getting started with washing your grapes
Washing fruit is usually pretty simple—a quick rinse under running water does the trick. Grapes, however, might seem a bit trickier due to their numbers and structure. But experts say it’s easier than it looks. Melanie Marcus (a registered dietitian and author) recommends rinsing grapes under cold running water and gently rubbing them to get rid of dirt and residues.
Avoid using soap, detergent, or commercial produce washes on grapes. The FDA warns against these because they can be absorbed by the fruit (which might lead to sickness) and aren’t any better than plain water for cleaning.
Next level cleaning methods for grapes
If you’re after a deeper clean—especially to tackle pesticide residues—there are some extra steps you can take. Xiaonan Lu, PhD, from McGill University, suggests soaking your grapes in a baking soda solution. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with two cups of water and let the grapes soak for about 15 minutes before giving them a good rinse under cool running water (this can really help reduce pesticide levels).
Dr. Lu also mentions another trick: using distilled white vinegar. Mix one part vinegar with three parts water and let your grapes sit in the solution for 10 to 15 minutes. This method helps to inactivate some bacteria and wash away certain pesticides. Both the baking soda and vinegar solutions provide natural alternatives if you’re worried about chemical residues.
When to wash your grapes
Timing is key when it comes to keeping your grapes fresh. Experts suggest not washing your grapes as soon as you get them. Instead, store them unwashed in the crisper drawer of your fridge until you’re ready to eat. Washing them too early can actually make them spoil faster because the extra moisture speeds up the decay.
If you do decide to wash them right away, make sure to dry the grapes thoroughly with a paper towel before putting them away. (This step helps keep mold and bacteria at bay.)
Keeping your grapes fresh for longer
Storing your grapes properly can extend their freshness for up to two weeks in the fridge. The best bet is to leave them in their original packaging—usually a perforated bag that lets air flow—so they stay as fresh as possible. If you need to put them in another container, just make sure it’s loosely covered (this lets air circulate and stops condensation from building up).
It’s a smart move to keep your grapes in the crisper drawer since that part of the fridge is designed to maintain lower humidity levels and stable temperatures (both of which help keep your grapes in top shape).
Following these tips for washing and storing grapes means you can enjoy their natural sweetness and nutrients for longer, all while keeping your kitchen practices safe and simple. Whether you stick to a basic water rinse or go for a baking soda or vinegar soak, your grapes will thank you by staying fresh and tasty all year long.
