Grapes can stay fresh in the freezer for weeks with no problem. But sometimes, you need to make them last a lot longer.
We’re talking about storing your grapes for months. But hold up, “Who needs to store grapes for that long?” you may be asking.
Well, perhaps you want to stock up on grapes for when they’re no longer in season. Or maybe you saw a huge sale on grapes and just couldn’t say no.
Whatever the reason may be, the big question is: can you freeze grapes so that they last for months instead of weeks?
Yes, absolutely! You can keep grapes in the freezer for up to 12 months. And unlike many other fruits and vegetables, grapes hold up really well when frozen.
But wait, do you just toss your grapes in the freezer and call it a day? Of course, not!
Keep on reading to find out how to freeze grapes properly, how long you can keep them in the freezer, and how to thaw them correctly. But first things first:
Can You Freeze Grapes?
Yes, you can definitely freeze grapes, and they will last for up to 12 months. Aside from the extended lifespan, you will also get to retain their crispness unlike when you store them in the fridge.
Grapes last a very long time–even when kept in the refrigerator. This is mainly because of their skin, which effectively protects their insides from moisture and foreign flavors.
More than that, freezing tends to have little effect on the texture of grapes. While other fruits may become mushy or slimy after thawing, grapes can retain their shape just fine.
Aside from making them last longer, another benefit of freezing grapes is that it makes them sweeter. Because of the sugars crystallizing during the freezing process, our tastebuds are better able to taste the sweetness.
You can use frozen grapes for all sorts of things. You can eat them straight away for a healthy frozen snack; add them to smoothies, or turn them into a sorbet–the possibilities are endless!
So, how do you go about freezing these tiny fruits? Here’s what we recommend:
How Do You Freeze Grapes?
Freezing grapes is a very easy process, but there are still a few mistakes to avoid. To make sure your grapes freeze perfectly, follow this technique:
- Remove your grapes from the stem and rinse them under cold water. Use a colander to drain the water as you’re washing them.
- Put your grapes on multiple layers of paper towels. Allow them to dry completely to prevent excess moisture from making your grapes mushy.
- Once your grapes are dry, transfer them to a baking sheet then put them in the freezer. Wait for a few hours for the grapes to freeze.
- After your grapes are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or an airtight container. Label with the date and place the container on top of other items.
And that’s all you need to know! You can keep your grapes in the freezer for up to 1 year. But for optimum quality, we recommend eating your grapes as soon as possible.
Now that you know how to freeze grapes, what do you do when you’re ready to eat them?
Here is the best thawing method that we recommend:
How Do You Thaw Frozen Grapes?
If you want a tasty frozen snack, you can just eat frozen grapes straight from the freezer. But if you want to enjoy them like you would fresh grapes, we suggest leaving them in the fridge overnight to defrost.
You can also use grapes for smoothies without thawing them. Another great tip is to use them as a substitute for ice so that your drinks aren’t watered down.
But if you’re using grapes for jams, tossed salads, or baked goods, we recommend letting them thaw completely in the fridge. If you’re pressed for time, put them into a colander and run them under cold water for 20 to 30 minutes.
Do note that even though grapes hold up well in the freezer, they may not have the same texture as fresh grapes.
FAQs
1. Can You Freeze Grapes With Seeds?
Yes, grapes with seeds will freeze just the same as seedless grapes. But if you don’t want to feel a crunch when you’re enjoying your frozen grapes, we suggest removing the seeds before freezing.
Alternatively, opt for seedless grapes. They may be a bit more expensive, but you’ll get to save time on de-seeding every single grape.
2. Why Don’t Grapes Freeze Solid?
You can eat grapes straight out of the freezer because they don’t freeze solid, unlike water. The reason behind this is that sugar separates from the liquid in grapes while freezing, which makes the liquid harder to freeze. (*)
So, when grapes are frozen, you get some ice crystals and sugary water instead of one solid ball of ice. You’ll also find the same behavior in strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi.
3. Can You Freeze Grapes on the Stem?
Yes, you can freeze grapes while they’re still on the stem. However, this can make it harder to wash and store your grapes properly.
But if you do wish to freeze your grapes with the stem, simply put them in an airtight container rather than a freezer bag. This will help ensure that they have enough room to freeze completely.
Final Thoughts
So, can you freeze grapes? Yes, absolutely! But do they freeze well? Also, yes!
Better yet, freezing grapes is super easy. Just wash, dry, pre-freeze, then put them into freezer bags before sticking them in sub-zero temperatures.
You can now enjoy your grapes for up to 12 months, given that you don’t eat them all right away. Trust us, it’s hard to resist these tiny treats when they’re frozen!
If you want more great kitchen tips like this, don’t hesitate to check out our blog where we talk about nutrition, food, cooking, and everything else you need to know to be a kitchen rockstar!
