How To Store Grapes So They Stay Fresh as Long as Possible, According to Registered Dietitians

Grapes are a tasty, healthy snack, whether you're eating them solo or adding them to your charcuterie board for a party. They're delicious when they're juicy, crisp and fresh, but they can take a turn for the worse if you don't store them correctly. To make sure you make the most of your precious fruit, we talked to folks who know a thing or two about healthy snacks: registered dietitians. Their expert tips will help you keep your grapes fresh in the fridge for up to three weeks. Read on for all of the juicy details.

Related: Are Grapes Good for You? Everything You Need to Know

Should You Store Grapes off the Stem?

Keeping grapes on the stem instead of taking them off will extend their shelf life. When properly stored, grapes on the stem can last two to three weeks. However, if you plan to use your grapes sooner than that, it's totally fine to take them off the stem. Just stash them in an airtight container and use them as quickly as possible.

If you're using them as snacks for kids, just keep a few rules in mind. "For kids who are snacking (and younger), slicing the grapes in half or quarters (depending on the size) is ideal for safety as well as encouraging more produce consumption since they'll already have a better-for-you snack to enjoy," says Elizabeth Shaw, MS, RDN and author of Air Fryer Cookbook For Dummies.

Related: 75 Juicy Fruit Puns & Jokes

How Long Do Grapes Last off the Stem in the Fridge?

"Without the stem, grapes can last up to 5-7 days in the fridge," says Marcus. "However, it is important to note that stored grapes will gradually lose crispness over time, which can affect their overall quality." If you decide to store grapes off the stem, it's best to use them the following day or so for best results.

Related: Grape and Feta Salad Recipe

Should Grapes Be Kept in the Fridge?

Though leaving grapes out in a fruit bowl for easy access can be tempting, your refrigerator is a better choice for keeping grapes fresh. The best place to store grapes is the same as where you should store strawberries or other berries: your fridge's crisper drawer. "The ideal condition for grapes is a humid 30-32°F," explains Melanie Marcus, registered dietician and founder of the site Miss Nutritious Eats. "Storing them in their original packaging in the crisper drawer is the best place for them. When left at room temperature, they are at risk for moisture loss, making for a mushy grape."

Three Top Tips for Storing Grapes

1. Wait to wash them. It might be tempting to wash your grapes as soon as you get them home from the store, but that's not the best way to keep them fresh. You're better off waiting to wash them until just before you eat them. Even if you dry grapes thoroughly after washing them, they can still retain moisture, which can make them go bad more quickly.

2. Keep grapes in their original packaging. "Store [grapes] in an aerated container with fresh paper towels on the bottom to help absorb any excess water to prevent mold from developing," says Shaw. Most of the time, they're packaged in a plastic box or bag with holes in it, so you can just put them straight into the fridge in the original container. If you have another aerated container that you like, you can transfer them to that.

3. Place grapes in the back of the fridge or crisper drawer. This differs from how cucumbers should be stored or other fruits that need to avoid getting too chill. Grapes should be kept in the crisper drawer or the coolest part of your fridge. Grapes can absorb odors from other foods, says Shaw, so it's important to store them away from foods with strong odors, like green onions, cut garlic, or pungent leftovers.

Related: Watermelon White Claw Grapes Recipe

What Is the Best Way To Store Grapes After Washing Them?

Washing grapes before you store them isn't the recommended method for lasting freshness. However, if you decide to wash grapes before storing them, it's important to dry them as thoroughly as possible. "After rinsing off your grapes, I'd recommend patting them dry with paper towels," says Shaw. Then, store grapes by following the above steps for the best results.

Can You Freeze Grapes?

If you want your grapes to last longer, stash them in the freezer. Frozen grapes can last for up to a year in the freezer and make a quick, refreshing snack whenever you're ready to have them. Wash and thoroughly dry grapes, then spread them out on a baking sheet and let them freeze until solid, which should take an hour or two. Transfer the frozen grapes to a marked airtight container.

Up Next:

Related: 'I Tried Viral Sour Patch Grapes and They're the Perfect Pool-Side Snack'