Grapes

How to Choose the Best

Grapes are harvested when fully ripe, so what is available at the store should be ready to eat. The color of the grape is a good guide to how sweet the fruit will be. Purple grapes should be very dark and saturated in color, nearly black. Do not purchase them if they are pale or have tinges of green. Likewise, red grapes should be a deep crimson color, not a pale red or pale purple color. Green grapes should look slight yellow with hints of light brown or amber, not a light grass-green color. Do not purchase grapes that are shriveled or overly mushy. Green stems generally indicate a fresher product.

Shelf Life and Storage

Sort and remove any spoiled grapes before refrigerating. Store them in the refrigerator, in either a bowl or a zip-top plastic bag. Wash grapes before eating.

Freezing

Freeze grapes up to three months.

Preparation Suggestions

Grapes are delicious on their own, or as part of a cheese and cracker platter. Try adding them to fruit and vegetable salads, as well as to chicken, tuna or turkey salad. Grapes can also be sautéed and served with a light sauce over chicken or fish. They can be made into jellies and jams.