Do Grapes Go Bad? How Long Do Grapes Last? (2023)

Grapes are a delicious, healthy snack that can be served on fruit trays, or be used as a side for a picnic. If your local grocery store is having a great sale, you may be wondering if you can stock up or if they go bad.

Do Grapes Go Bad? How Long Do Grapes Last? (1)

Quick Answer

Like other fresh produce, grapes can and do go bad fairly quickly. Grapes will only last for about 2 to 4 days if left on the counter at room temperature. If you store your grapes in the refrigerator, they can be good for about 5 to 10 days. If you store your grapes in the freezer, they can be good for about 10 to 12 months. This information applies to most colors and varieties of grapes.

Contents

  • 1 Quick Answer
  • 2 Do Grapes Go Bad? How Long Do Grapes Last?
    • 2.1 How Long Do Grapes Last Outside?
    • 2.2 How Long Do Grapes Last In The Fridge?
    • 2.3 How Long Do Grapes Last In The Freezer?
  • 3 How To Tell If Grapes Have Gone Bad: How To Know Grapes Are Fresh?
  • 4 How To Store Grapes?
  • 5 Can You Freeze Grapes? How?
  • 6 How To Thaw Grapes?
  • 7 Frequently Asked Questions About Grapes Shelf Life
  • 8 Wrap-Up

Proper storage of your product is very important in helping it maintain its freshness. It is no different when it comes to keeping grapes fresh.

Do Grapes Go Bad? How Long Do Grapes Last?

Grapes do go bad and the amount of time in which that happens depends greatly on how they are stored. Read on to learn how long grapes last under different storage conditions.

How Long Do Grapes Last Outside?

Grapes are a very delicate fruit and should not be stored at room temperature. When stored at room temperature, they can get soft and moldy.

Grapes will become soft and moldy rather quickly especially if they were refrigerated before you bought them and then leave them out on the counter.

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Since grapes are delicate and prone to become soft, grapes will only last on the counter at room temperature for about 3 to 5 days.

How Long Do Grapes Last In The Fridge?

Grapes have a much longer shelf life when stored in the cool temperatures of your refrigerator. This helps them retain their quality longer.

Whole grapes can stay good in the refrigerator for about 7 to 14 days. Proper storage plays a big part in helping the grapes last a little longer.

Cutting the grapes greatly reduces their shelf life. Once grapes have been cut, they will last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days.

How Long Do Grapes Last In The Freezer?

To extend the shelf life even longer, grapes are one fruit that does well stored in the freezer. All varieties of grapes can be frozen.

When stored properly, grapes stored in the freezer can be good for about 10 to 12 months but will remain safe to eat beyond a year.

To get your frozen grapes to last for 10 to 12 months, proper storage is very important. Please see the section on how to freeze grapes.

As you can see, grapes do not last very long when left at room temperature. The best way to store grapes for long periods is in the freezer.

How To Tell If Grapes Have Gone Bad: How To Know Grapes Are Fresh?

All grapes, no matter what color or variety you are shopping for have some characteristics that help you know they are fresh.

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Feel them: Good grapes should be firm, plump, and securely attached to the stems.

Color of the grapes: The color of your grapes should be vibrant and consistent throughout the bag.

Assess the stem: In a bag of good grapes, the stem should be green and flexible.

Similarly, there are some tell-tale ways to determine your grapes have been gone or are nearing the end of their shelf life.

Feel them: Grapes that have gone bad or are starting to go bad can feel wet or shriveled at the stem. They can also become soft and squishy.

Color of the grapes: Grapes that are starting to go bad can turn darker in color. Sometimes grapes will turn brown no matter what color they were originally.

Asses the stem: If the stem of your grapes is dry and brittle, and the grapes are falling off on their own, these are signs the grapes are nearing the end of their shelf life.

Smell them: Grapes that are going bad or have already gone bad can have a smell that is similar to vinegar. This is because the grapes have begun to ferment and the smell is a warning that they are going sour.

How To Store Grapes?

For optimal shelf life, grapes should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

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Keep them cold: Grapes do the best when stored at around 40°F. If storing them in your fridge, try to place them towards the back of the fridge where it is a little cooler.

Keep away from odorous foods: Grapes can absorb the odors of other foods so keep them away from odorous foods such as onions.

Keep them in the original bag: The original bag is designed that way for a reason. The bag provides the perfect amount of ventilation and covering to help the grapes last.

Store them unwashed: Grapes should be stored unwashed because the extra moisture can speed up the rate of decay. Wash the grapes immediately before you eat them.

In the freezer: If you choose to freeze them, they should be stored in an airtight container.

Can You Freeze Grapes? How?

With a little bit of prep work, grapes can be frozen which will help them last a lot longer. Read on to find out how.

Buy seedless grapes: You should try to avoid freezing grapes with seeds because it would not be pleasant to bite into a frozen seed.

Prepare them: To prepare grapes for freezing, they need to be washed, dried, and de-stemmed. You can wash them under cool, running water. Pat them dry with a clean towel. Each grape should be removed from the stem.

Pan freeze: Lay the grapes in a single layer on a baking tray. Place the tray in the freezer until the grapes are completely frozen. Freezing them in a pan first helps prevent them from clumping together for easier use later.

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Bag and date them: Once the grapes have completely frozen, place them in a freezer bag and date it. Place the freezer bag of grapes back in the freezer for later enjoyment.

How To Thaw Grapes?

Grapes can be thawed out if needed, or they can be used still frozen.

Enjoy as they are: Frozen grapes are a great snack that can be enjoyed frozen. There is no need to thaw them out.

Use in a drink: Frozen grapes are great in smoothies or can be added to cocktails.

Place in the fridge: If you need your grapes thawed, you can place the freezer bag into the fridge overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grapes Shelf Life

Some of my grapes got moldy, can I eat the rest? If some of the grapes in a bag have gone moldy, it is okay to eat the rest. Look them over carefully and make sure they are not covered in mold. Wash the grapes you are trying to save before you eat them. If you do accidentally eat a moldy grape, you will most likely be fine. You might experience nausea or vomiting.

Some of my grapes are wrinkly: can I still eat them? Grapes can begin to shrivel when they lose moisture. This is dehydration, also called raisining. They are still safe to eat. If you don’t care for the texture, some things you can do with them are to dehydrate them, roast them, juice them, use them in a recipe, or freeze them.

Wrap-Up

As you can see, grapes last the longest in the freezer. If you can eat them within a couple of weeks, the best place to keep them is in the fridge. You should also know how to choose fresh grapes and watch out for bad grapes.

FAQs

How long do grapes last for? ›

Stored dry in a well-ventilated container in the crisper drawer of your fridge, grapes can last up to three weeks.

Are grapes still good after 2 weeks? ›

Keep grapes in a perforated plastic bag in the veggie drawer in the fridge. Don't wash or remove them from the stems before serving. Grapes can last for up to two weeks in the fridge, and a couple of days at room temperature. Throw out grapes that are soft, shriveled, brown, moldy, or smell off.

How do grapes go bad? ›

Grapes that are spoiling will typically become soft and mushy and their color will deteriorate; discard grapes if mold appears or if the grapes have an off smell or appearance.

Can you eat grapes 2 days out of date? ›

Even though these berries are better to be kept refrigerated, leaving them out is still possible. Nevertheless, since grapes are very perishable, it is recommended to leave them like that only if they will be eaten within the next two or three days.

How long do washed grapes stay good? ›

First, let them dry as completely as possible after they've been washed. This is because excess moisture can lead to faster spoiling. Once dry, store grapes in a ventilated bag in a cold spot of the refrigerator. The air flow and chill will help preserve the fruit for about three weeks.

What is the best way to keep grapes fresh? ›

As the experts from the California Table Grape Commission explain, the optimal storage conditions for grapes is 30-32°F with high humidity, about 90-95 percent. This is why the best place to store grapes is in the high humidity crisper drawer in your fridge.

Should I store grapes with paper towel? ›

How do you store grapes after washing? Wet grapes must be dried using a paper towel before they are stored in a food-grade plastic bag. The grapes will remain fresh for up to 3-5 days but may not last for that long if they have even a bit of moisture on them.

Is it OK to eat old grapes? ›

Some common traits of bad grapes are a soft texture, a brown discoloration and they will begin to smell a little like vinegar when they are left too long and begin to ferment. Mold will eventually start to appear, so be sure to discard any rotten grapes.

Can grapes last 3 weeks? ›

Unwashed fresh grapes will last in the fridge in the plastic bag that came in from the grocery store for about three weeks, give or take. If they are not consumed after that time and they have already been in the fridge, they should be placed into the freezer to prolong their integrity.

How can you tell if grapes are good? ›

Grapes should be firm, plump and firmly attached to the stems. Avoid grapes that are wet, moldy or shriveled at the stem. If you see a powdery-white coating on your grapes, don't worry! It's bloom, a naturally-occurring substance that helps protect the grapes from moisture loss.

Do you need to refrigerate grapes? ›

Grapes in clamshells and other containers should always be refrigerated. When grapes are refrigerated on display and not over-stacked, they can be displayed for up to 72 hours before visible shrink occurs.

Can grapes be left out of fridge? ›

Berries and Grapes

They can get soft and moldy at room temperature, especially if they were refrigerated before sale. And even if they're not stored in the refrigerator case at the store, most berries and grapes are transported in refrigerated trucks.

Is it good to eat grapes at night? ›

“Grapes do have a degree of melatonin in them,” says DiMarino. “So they're a great evening snack. They don't have a lot of calories and they can potentially help you fall asleep.”

What do expired grapes taste like? ›

Even if some grapes look good, they may be of bad quality or may be going bad. Some grapes grow fine and look good, but their taste may not be as sweet as it should be. Some of them may even be sour or bitter. If your grapes have a strange taste, they are bad and may not have the required nutrients.

How long do cut grapes last in the fridge? ›

Store cut up grapes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Should you take grapes off the stem? ›

Do grapes last longer if stored on the stem? Short answer: Yes. Grapes spoil faster once they're plucked off the stem. This is because removing the stem leaves a hole in the grape's skin.

How long do seedless grapes last in the fridge? ›

You can store grapes in the refrigerator for 5 to 10 days and on the counter for 2 to 4 days.

Can dogs have grapes? ›

Do not share any food that may contain grapes or raisins with your dog, and especially do not use grapes as treats for your dog. While one grape may not cause a problem for most dogs, it is a good idea to avoid this habit and risk a potential poisoning.

Can you store grapes in a Ziploc bag? ›

It is not advisable to store grapes in a Ziploc bag that isn't ventilated. Grapes really require airflow so that moisture doesn't get trapped and cause the grapes to get mushy. Keeping them in the bag that they came in or a ventilated bag or container will keep them fresh and crisp, just the way they should be.

Do grapes last longer in Mason jars? ›

Step Five: Store It

By putting the fruits & veggies in sealed jars straight into the fridge. They last about twice as long as they would in the plastic, BUT they won't last that long… because you'll eat them before they have a chance to spoil.

Does putting fruit in Mason jars make it last longer? ›

Usually, when you wash and cut your produce, their shelf life is limited to a couple of days. But, when I put them in mason jars after prepping them, they last a week to a week and a half. Because mason jars are air tight, they keep the produce from spoiling as quickly.

How can I make my grapes crisp again? ›

Rinse your grapes and blanch them for 30 seconds in a pot of boiling water, then quickly transfer to a bowl of ice water. Remove the stems, cut each grape in half, lay them in a single later on a cookie sheet or pan, and allow to dry in the oven for 18-24 hours.

What is the white powder on grapes? ›

Grape powdery mildew is caused by the fungus Uncinula necator. This fungus has a narrow host range attacking only grape plants and a few related species. It is the most common and widespread disease of grapevines in the B.C. Interior. Popular wine grape varieties vary in susceptibility to powdery mildew.

Does vinegar make fruit last longer? ›

Not only does the vinegar help to kill any potential bacteria on the fruit, it will also stop any mold spores in their tracks and prolong the life of your fruit!

Are grapes good for weight loss? ›

Grapes contain a chemical compound called resveratrol. Studies have shown that resveratrol can help your body metabolize fatty acids, increase your energy level, and improve your overall metabolism, all of which can help with weight loss.

How many grapes is too many? ›

A bowl of grapes on a daily basis which consists of thirty to forty grapes is acceptable but anything more than that can lead to some unavoidable side effects. Grapes are high in natural sugar and excess consumption of foods with the high sugar content can result in loose stool.

What are the holes in grapes? ›

Grape flea beetles are small (3/16-inch), shiny metallic, bluish-black insects that jump like a flea when disturbed. Upon emerging from hibernation in the spring, the adult beetles feed on swelling and opening grape buds, leaving what appears as a large, round hole in the side of the bud.

Do red or green grapes last longer? ›

If you buy red grapes, then they will keep longer than green ones because they contain more sugar. However, if you want to store them for a longer period of time, then you should remove their stems before putting them into the refrigerator. This way, they will not rot too quickly.

How do you wash and store grapes? ›

The Best Way to Wash and Store Grapes

Remove any soft of mushy grapes. Step 3: Rinse grapes well to remove any excess vinegar. Step 4: Spread out grapes on a clean towel to air dry. Step 5: Once mostly dry, place in an airtight container (I prefer glass jars) and store in the fridge.

Do you have to buy the whole bag of grapes? ›

You don't need to buy the whole bag

Grocery stores put grapes together in bags, probably to keep loose grapes in the bag and to sell more. However, as long as your grocery store sells them by the pound, you can buy only what you need so you don't waste food and money.

What color grape is the sweetest? ›

Green grapes are sweetest and at their best flavour when they are yellow-green in colour. Red grapes are best when the grapes are predominantly red, and black grapes will be most flavourful when they have a full, rich colour.

What color grapes are the best? ›

Most health experts claim that red grapes are better than green ones due to their disease-fighting antioxidants known as flavonoids (quercetin, catechins, and resveratrol). Research suggests that these flavonoids can help lower blood pressure and keep HDL (good) cholesterol.

What are the most healthy grapes? ›

"Although all types of grapes are healthy, red grapes and Concord grapes are higher in flavonoids and phytonutrients, including resveratrol," said Rumsey. Though sometimes available fresh, Concord grapes are usually used to make grape juice, grape jelly and grape flavoring.

Do eggs have to be refrigerated? ›

In the United States, fresh, commercially produced eggs need to be refrigerated to minimize your risk of food poisoning. However, in many countries in Europe and around the world, it's fine to keep eggs at room temperature for a few weeks.

What fruit should not be refrigerated? ›

Fruits That Should Not Be Stored in the Refrigerator

Apricots, Asian pears, avocado, bananas, guava, kiwis, mangoes, melons, nectarines, papayas, passion fruit, pawpaw, peaches, pears, persimmons, pineapples, plantain, plums, starfruit, soursop, and quince will continue to ripen if left out on the counter.

Do grapes interfere with medications? ›

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Grape juice might increase how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking grape along with some medications that are changed by the liver can decrease the effectiveness of these medications.

Can you freeze grapes? ›

To start, rinse and dry your grapes, then spread them on a freezer-safe sheet or baking pan. Place the pan in your freezer until the grapes are frozen. This ensures your grapes won't stick together once you store them in larger quantities.

Can I eat grapes with brown spots? ›

Can I eat grapes with brown spots? In most cases, surprisingly, the grapes with brown spots are just as edible as regular normal grapes. However, if they have a severe infection, it is better to discard them.

How long can cheese sit out? ›

To keep yourself safe from bacterial growth or spoilage, you should only keep cheese out for four hours, according to Adam Brock, director of food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance at Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

How can you tell if grapes are good? ›

Grapes should be firm, plump and firmly attached to the stems. Avoid grapes that are wet, moldy or shriveled at the stem. If you see a powdery-white coating on your grapes, don't worry! It's bloom, a naturally-occurring substance that helps protect the grapes from moisture loss.

Is it OK to eat grapes if some are moldy? ›

No need to toss all the grapes if you see some that look moldy or wrinkled. Pick through the bunch and get rid of only the bad ones to prevent the mold from spreading to the rest of the bunch. If you notice a white coating on your grapes, they are still good to eat.

Should green grapes be refrigerated? ›

Whether you like green grapes or red grapes, they are stored the same way. You always want to store them in the fridge. This will maintain the crispness and keep them lasting longer.

Are grapes with brown spots safe to eat? ›

Can I eat grapes with brown spots? In most cases, surprisingly, the grapes with brown spots are just as edible as regular normal grapes. However, if they have a severe infection, it is better to discard them.

What color grape is the sweetest? ›

Green grapes are sweetest and at their best flavour when they are yellow-green in colour. Red grapes are best when the grapes are predominantly red, and black grapes will be most flavourful when they have a full, rich colour.

Should you take grapes off the stem? ›

Do grapes last longer if stored on the stem? Short answer: Yes. Grapes spoil faster once they're plucked off the stem. This is because removing the stem leaves a hole in the grape's skin.

Is it good to eat grapes at night? ›

“Grapes do have a degree of melatonin in them,” says DiMarino. “So they're a great evening snack. They don't have a lot of calories and they can potentially help you fall asleep.”

What is the white fuzzy stuff on grapes? ›

Grape powdery mildew is caused by the fungus Uncinula necator. This fungus has a narrow host range attacking only grape plants and a few related species. It is the most common and widespread disease of grapevines in the B.C. Interior. Popular wine grape varieties vary in susceptibility to powdery mildew.

When should you throw out grapes? ›

How to Tell if Grapes Are Bad? You can tell that grapes are bad if they're soft to the touch, shriveled, have brown (or discolored) spots or bruises, or are moldy. The same is true if they give off a funny (often vinegar-like) smell.

Can you cut off mold? ›

Cut off at least 1 inch around and below the mold spot (keep the knife out of the mold itself so it will not cross-contaminate other parts of the produce). Small mold spots can be cut off FIRM fruits and vegetables with low moisture content. It's difficult for mold to penetrate dense foods.

Should I store grapes with paper towel? ›

How do you store grapes after washing? Wet grapes must be dried using a paper towel before they are stored in a food-grade plastic bag. The grapes will remain fresh for up to 3-5 days but may not last for that long if they have even a bit of moisture on them.

Should you wash grapes before putting them in the fridge? ›

Store them unwashed: grapes should not be rinsed before storing them. Any extra moisture from washing will speed up the decay process. Simply remove what you need from the original bag or punnet and rinse when you are ready to enjoy your grapes.

Can dogs have grapes? ›

Do not share any food that may contain grapes or raisins with your dog, and especially do not use grapes as treats for your dog. While one grape may not cause a problem for most dogs, it is a good idea to avoid this habit and risk a potential poisoning.

How many grapes is too many? ›

A bowl of grapes on a daily basis which consists of thirty to forty grapes is acceptable but anything more than that can lead to some unavoidable side effects. Grapes are high in natural sugar and excess consumption of foods with the high sugar content can result in loose stool.

What do expired grapes taste like? ›

Even if some grapes look good, they may be of bad quality or may be going bad. Some grapes grow fine and look good, but their taste may not be as sweet as it should be. Some of them may even be sour or bitter. If your grapes have a strange taste, they are bad and may not have the required nutrients.

What can you do with old grapes? ›

  1. Roast them. Something about heat can bring a richer flavor to fruits, like grilled pineapple or baked blackberries. ...
  2. Freeze them. This is one of the easiest solutions there is, and we'll add that it's one of the best summer solutions too. ...
  3. Dehydrate them. ...
  4. Juice them. ...
  5. Use them in a recipe.
25 Jun 2020

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