Can grapes go in the fridge?

In this brief article, we are going to answer the question “Can grapes go in the fridge?”. We will also discuss how long do grapes last in the fridge, how to properly store them in the fridge, the benefits and drawbacks of freezing grapes and how to tell if grapes are still good in the fridge.

Can grapes go in the fridge?

Yes, grapes can go in the fridge. Their shelf life is increased and they remain for a long time when properly stored in the fridge (1).

There is no better place to store fresh grapes than in a refrigerator at home. They can live at about 30 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit with 90% to 95% humidity (1,2).

Grapes have a shelf life and it depends on how you store your grapes. Grapes that are kept at room temperature will become unusable in a few days. You can keep the fruits fresh for a little more than a week by refrigerating them.

How long do grapes last in the fridge?

Grapes can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 14 days. Grapes should be kept in the refrigerator for maximum freshness and shelf life.The best temperature for storing grapes is 32 °F, so the refrigerator is a great place to keep them (1).

Grapes’ shelf life is determined by two elements. Firstly, how the grapes looked when you bought them and secondly whether the grapes are being stored properly or not. Refrigerate grapes in a perforated plastic bag; before refrigerating, eliminate any bruised or rotten grapes (2).

Grapes stored in the freezer can last for 10 to 12 months if stored properly but will be safe to eat after a year. Grapes are one fruit that functions well in the freezer to extend the shelf life even further. Grapes of all types can be frozen (2).

How to properly store grapes in the fridge?

To properly store grapes in the fridge, you should consider certain things before doing so (1,2,3).

• Before storing in the fridge, check the grapes for any damaged or spoiled ones. Remove them to prevent them from affecting the rest of the bunch.
• Grapes should not be washed before they are stored in the fridge. Rinse what you need, not all of them. 
•  To keep grapes fresh, it’s recommended to store them in a bag or container with sufficient air circulation. When you purchase grapes, they often come in a bag with holes to prevent excess humidity from accumulating and turning into water. This allows the grapes to maintain their quality. 
• Keeping them in their original bag enables air to circulate around the grapes. Well-ventilated containers work too if you can find one. Until air can get in and around them.
• Keep grapes at 30 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 to 0 °C), these are the optimum temperatures to store them. There are foods that have strong smells, like onions, that you don’t want to store with grapes. The grapes will absorb their smells.
• For about two weeks, grapes can be kept in the fridge if they’re kept well. They should always be cold. 

Can grapes be frozen?

Yes, grapes can be frozen. Freezing grapes is a popular way to store them for later use or to enjoy them as a cool frozen snack. The low temperature of frozen grapes inhibits enzyme activity and decreases microbial development, effectively increasing their shelf life (4).

Before freezing, it is recommended to wash and dry the grapes thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue. Once frozen, grapes can be stored in airtight containers or freezer bags for several months. 

Freezing grapes provides a convenient way to enjoy their natural sweetness and juiciness als you wish. To safely thaw frozen grapes you just need to let them defrost in the refrigerator and prepare to use them (4).

Grapes can be frozen, although it has advantages and disadvantages.One advantage of freezing grapes is that it protects their nutritional value and flavor. Low temperatures also reduce the activity of enzymes, which slows down the destruction of the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in the grapes. Additionally, you can consume grapes all year long and incorporate them into recipes whenever you like (5).

On the other hand, freezing can change the texture of grapes, making them somewhat softer or mushy when thawed. This texture update may not be to everyone’s liking. Furthermore, grapes containing seeds may grow tougher after freezing, making them less delightful to consume (6). 

How do you know if your grapes are still good in the fridge?

To determine if your grapes are still good in the fridge, you can use the following indicators (7,8,9,10):

Appearance

When you look at your grapes, be on the lookout for any changes in color. This could mean that your grapes are going bad if they have brown or black spots on them. If you see discoloration, be on the lookout for other signs that something is not right.

Texture

Another thing to look for is how the surface looks. It’s best for a grape to be firm but a little soft, except for when they’re frozen. The grapes aren’t ready yet if they’re very hard, and if they’re mushy, they’re too old. When in doubt, squish the grape.

Smell

Another way is the smell. If they begin to smell sour and almost vinegary , there is a fair probability that they are about to go rotten. Grapes can sometimes pick up smells because of their thin skins. 

This means that if you store your grapes near strong-smelling vegetables, like onions or garlic, your grapes might start to smell like them. In that case, the smell isn’t the best way to tell if something is fresh. You should go back to looking at the texture.

Mold

        Bad grapes will have traces of mold on them which is an alarming situation to discard those grapes. The mold spores find a good-enough environment to thrive, and they grow. Aspergillus species are types of molds that can cause grapes to spoil with small, round, water-soaked lesions or black spots as symptoms. 

Conclusion

In this brief article, we answered the question “Can grapes go in the fridge?”. We discussed how long do grapes last in the fridge, how to properly store them in the fridge, the benefits and drawbacks of freezing grapes and how to tell if grapes are still good in the fridge.

References

1. Min, Z. et al. Preservation of fresh grapes at ice-temperature-high-humidity. Int. Agrophysics, 2001, 15, 139-143

2. Silva, C.L.M. Home Freezing of Fruits and Vegetables. In book: Frozen food science and technology, 2008.

3. The Commercial Storage of Fruits, Vegetables, and Florist and Nursery Stocks. Agricultural Research Service Agriculture, Handbook Number 66, 2016.

4. Silva, C.L.M. Home Freezing of Fruits and Vegetables. In book: Frozen food science and technology, 2008.

5. Li, L. et al. Selected nutrient analyses of fresh, fresh-stored, and frozen fruits and vegetables. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 2017, 59, 8-17.

6. Van der Sman, R.G.M. Impact of Processing Factors on Quality of Frozen Vegetables and Fruits. Food Engineering Reviews, 2020, 12, 399–420.

7. Kanupuru, P., Uma Reddy, N.V. A Deep Learning Approach to Detect the Spoiled Fruits. WSEAS Transactions on Computer Research, 2022, 10:74-87.

8. Gao H, Yin X, Jiang X, et al. Diversity and spoilage potential of microbial communities associated with grape sour rot in eastern coastal areas of China. PeerJ. 2020;8.

9. Porat, R. Fallik. E. Production of off-flavours in fruit and vegetables under fermentative conditions. Fruit and Vegetable Flavour, 2008, 150-164.

10. Ghuffar, S., et al. First Report of Fusarium proliferatum Causing Fruit Rot of Grapes (Vitis vinifera) in Pakistan. Inter J Phytopath., 2018, 7(2):85-88