Fresh grapes are a delicious and healthy snack, and they're super easy to carry! Grapes also contain lots of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. Keep your grapes fresh and delicious by choosing fresh dompolans, storing them properly, and eating them within 5 to 10 days.
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Method 1 of 3: Choosing Fresh Grapes
Step 1. Choose a grape that is still firmly attached to the stem
Grapes with brown stems that break easily when you pick are usually overripe and can rot quickly. Don't choose bunches where the grapes come off at some points on the stem, but look for fruit that is still firmly attached to the stem.
- While grapes can be found all year round, the best time to get fresh grapes is in the fall (if you live in a country with four seasons), when grapes are technically in season.
- If possible, try buying grapes at traditional markets for fresher fruit than those sold in supermarkets. The grapes in the traditional market are usually picked 1-2 days in advance, while the grapes in the supermarket may be picked for a longer time.
Step 2. Choose a yellowish green grape or a plump red wine
Fresh green grapes should range in color from pale greenish yellow to light green, while red and purple grapes can range in color from pink to blackish purple. Choose red grapes that are rounded at the stem, and without a green tinge.
- Some types of grapes naturally have different colors. For example, Japanese muscat grapes can range in color from light green to red. Look for other signs of freshness if you are not sure about the color of a good wine.
- Do not choose grapes with brown spots as they may have started to rot.
Step 3. Check to see if it smells like vinegar and turns brown in color
Due to fermentation, rotting wine can give off a strong vinegar smell. Fresh wine smells sweet. So, if you smell sour, look for another bunch of grapes! You can also check to see if the wine has brown spots, which usually accompany the smell of vinegar.
The process that also causes the wine to spoil also gives the fruit a vinegary taste if not stored properly. If you find grapes that are sour, it probably means the bacteria in them have turned to acetic acid, and the wine has rotted
Step 4. Avoid grape clusters that have signs of mold
If the grapes have gray or white spots, or appear hairy, look for another bunch. Mushroomed grapes also feel soft to the touch, and will probably fall off the stem naturally.
Mold is a sign of spoilage that can spread quickly to other grapes that are still healthy in their clusters. If you find mold, look for another bunch of grapes
Method 2 of 3: Storing Wine
Step 1. Store the wine (unwashed) in its original container
Wine containers are designed with good ventilation and proper lids so they can stay fresh for a long time. Do not wash grapes before storing them, as water can accelerate mold formation. Store the wine as it is when you bought it.
You can store grapes in sealed plastic bags, but because they don't have ventilation, they will rot quickly
Step 2. Discard any rotting grapes
Check the bunch of grapes you bought and look for grapes that are loose, browned, or have mold. If there are bad grapes in the bunch, you should pick them and throw them away. This bad fruit can affect the grapes around it.
Ideally, the dompolan you buy won't damage the wine inside, but it can happen. The best way to deal with this is to remove the bad fruit so it doesn't affect the rest of the grapes
Step 3. Place the wine (unwashed) with the container on a refrigerator rack that has high humidity
The best temperature for storing wine is 0 °C with 90-95% humidity. Therefore, wine is best stored in the refrigerator shelf with high humidity.
If your refrigerator doesn't have a shelf with high humidity, place the wine in the deepest part of the refrigerator because it's usually colder there
Step 4. Keep wine away from strong-smelling food in the refrigerator
Wine absorbs odors very easily, and the containers are perforated for good ventilation. Do not store it with strong-smelling foods (such as onions and leeks) because the aromas can transfer to the wine and change the taste.
Alternatively, you can place the grapes near foods whose aromas can add a unique taste, such as near other fruits (passion fruit, jackfruit) to try a mix of flavors from several different fruits
Step 5. Freeze grapes and use for smoothies, wine, or cold snacks
Frozen grapes make delicious ice cubes in hot weather and can retain their flavor for weeks in the freezer. Wash the grapes in cold water, dry them, and remove them from the stems. Next, place the wine on a baking sheet that has been lined with waxed paper to prevent the wine from sticking together.
- Do not thaw frozen grapes as the fruit will be mushy. Instead, use frozen grapes for smoothies, ice cubes, or eaten as is.
- Grapes can last for 3 to 5 months in the freezer, but will lose flavor more quickly.
Method 3 of 3: Serving Wine
Step 1. Remove and wash the grapes after they have been stored for 5 to 10 days
The condition of the wine will begin to deteriorate after a few days in the refrigerator. So, try to eat it as soon as possible. Before serving, wash the grapes in cold water and pat dry by patting them with paper towels.
This washing will remove pesticides and bacteria on the grapes that can be harmful to health
Step 2. Eat grapes as a snack or add to salads, sandwiches, or smoothies
You can place the grapes in a bowl and eat them right away, turn them into a grape smoothie, or add them to salads or sandwiches.
- Red wine makes a great addition to tuna or chicken salads, and green grapes make a great addition to yogurt and granola.
- Old grapes make a great addition to smoothies or homemade jam.
Step 3. Use frozen grapes as decorative ice cubes
Frozen grapes are an excellent ingredient for keeping wine cold without worrying about melting ice or adding water to the drink. Remove the white or red wine from the freezer and place 2 to 4 frozen grapes in each wine glass.
Add red wine to red wine and green grapes to white wine to keep the taste consistent
Tips
- If you have a lot of grapes that are close to rotting, you can make grape jelly from the fruit.
- If you have grapes that will soon spoil, soak them in the wine and sugar, then place them in the freezer for a sweet treat.
