I have more grapes than we can eat in an entire month. Grapes are my favorite, I eat them any time of the day and use them in any recipe I can. I have both seedless and seeded grapes. I wonder if I can freeze them right away after washing or do I have to take out its seeds first from the seeded ones?
Yes, you can freeze grapes. Freezing grapes does not change its flavor and is a good way to extend its life. Seedless grapes can be frozen directly. If your grapes have seeds, you should deseed them before freezing. Simply cut the grapes in half and remove the seeds. Frozen grapes are a great summer treat. You can eat them right away, no thawing needed. Grapes also thaw well.
Grapes are great sources of Vitamins C, K, and B1. Other than being healthy and delicious, grapes are also easy to store and freeze.
Can You Freeze Grapes?
Freezing grapes is a good way not only to preserve them but also to enjoy eating them. You can eat them fresh from the freezer but you can also freeze them in other forms.
When frozen, grapes can last up to five months. However, some resources say that it is best to consume them within three months to guarantee freshness.
Grapes do not need to be thawed to be eaten. They do need to be thoroughly washed before freezing for they contain pesticide residue.
Other than freezing, you can also preserve them through canning. Although this requires much more effort and time, canned grapes are also useful in many kitchen dishes.
Unlike some other fruits, frozen grapes do not highly differ to fresh grapes. They have similar nutritional content and taste. They can, however, serve as hazards to young children, since they’re hard when fresh from the freezer.
Having a keen sense of smell and sight can help you identify whether or not your grapes have gone bad. A sour smell and a brown discoloration are some signs of expiration.
How to Freeze Grapes?
Remember to choose tender and firm grapes with full color. These are signs of freshness and tastiness.
- Destem the grapes and place them in a colander or salad spinner.
- Wash the grapes thoroughly with running water to remove any excess pesticide from the vineyard.
- Place each grape on a towel to dry; doing this helps prevent icicles from forming once placed in the freezer. If possible, wipe excess water out individually.
- Separate each grape from the other and lay them out on a baking tray or sheet, preferably with wax paper, so that removing them will be easy and freezing is done evenly. Putting the grapes together will cause them to stick, so remember to always separate.
- Once frozen, transfer the grapes on a plastic bag to save up freezer space. Make sure that the bag is sealed well. Remember to remove air from the bag.
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Grapes?
Grapes are a delicious and healthy snack that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. But what do you do when you have extra grapes? Here are five delicious ways to use up your leftover grapes:
- Make a grape salad – A grape salad is a great way to use up extra grapes. Just add them to a salad with some other greens and fruits, and you’ll have a tasty and healthy dish in no time.
- Add them to your cereal – To add some sweetness and flavor to your morning cereal, just add some grapes to your favorite cereal, and you’re good to go.
- Make a fruit salad – Grapes are also a great addition to any fruit salad. Just add them in with your other favorite fruits, and you’ll have a delicious and healthy dish in no time.
- Make a grape jelly – Grape jelly is easy to make and can be used in a variety of ways. To make grape jelly, you will need 3 cups of grapes, 1 cup of sugar, 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 package of fruit pectin. Simply combine the grapes and sugar in a large pot and bring to a boil. Add the lemon juice and pectin and stir until combined. Pour into jars and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This recipe makes about 4 half-pint jars of jelly.
- Make a grape jam – Grape jam is another great way to use up extra grapes. To make grape jam, you will need 3 cups of grapes, 1 cup of sugar, 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 package of fruit pectin. Simply combine the grapes and sugar in a large pot and bring to a boil. Add the lemon juice and pectin and stir until combined. Pour into jars and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This recipe makes about 4 half-pint jars of jam.
So there you have it – five delicious ways to use up your leftover grapes. Next time you find yourself.
Grapes Recipes
Using only staple kitchen ingredients, this Chicken Salad with Grapes and Apples create the perfect appetizer or snack, whichever you prefer. Check out the recipe here:
Give your usual panna cotta a twist by adding some roasted grapes to it. By doing this, your dish will surely be one to come back for. Find out how to do it here:
Create the perfect Concord Grape Pie that will surely make your guests’ mouth water with this easy recipe. Find it here:
Wrap Up
Yes, you can freeze grapes. Although grapes have a high water content, the grape skin acts as a protective barrier to retain its flavor and nutritional content. That is why freezing grapes makes them last longer than refrigerating. Here are some great tips on how to freeze your grapes: Remove the stems, wash the grapes, allow them to dry thoroughly on a paper towel, spread 6 cups of grapes in one layer on baking sheet covered with wax paper, flash freeze, transfer into a freezer bag or container, keep in the freezer for up to 1 year.
What are your plans on freezing grapes this year? Share your ideas on how to use frozen grapes in the comment section below.