Grapes

Select It

Look for firm, plump, and brightly colored clusters of grapes. The grapes should be firmly attached to the stem. Avoid buying grapes that are soft, wrinkled or feel sticky. Also, avoid buying grapes with brown spots or dry, brittle stems.

Store It

• Do not wash grapes until ready to eat.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in a paper or breathable bag on a shelf. Breathable bags include produce bags from the grocery store or reusable cotton, muslin or mesh bags.
• Store in the freezer for up to 1 month. A single grape cluster can be frozen whole. Or wash, dry and place whole grapes on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 7 hours. Then, put into an airtight container in the freezer. 

Reduce Food Waste

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. This is called bloom and is a naturally occurring substance that protects grapes from losing moisture and decay. 

Source: Save the Food

Prepare It

• Grapes are a quick, easy and portable snack. Just rinse and enjoy!
• Place rinsed grapes in the freezer, and enjoy later as an icy snack.
• Add grape halves to coleslaw for a sweet twist on an old favorite.
• For younger children, cut grapes lengthwise in half and then lengthwise again into quarters. This will make it easier to pass through small throats without becoming a choking hazard.

Did You Know?

Grapes come in many colors, including white, red, black, blue, green, purple and golden!

c Grapes help your body heal cuts and wounds, and help lower your risk of infection because they contain Vitamin C.  

k Grapes help stop cuts and scrapes from bleeding too much and start the healing process because they contain Vitamin K. 

Click here for more information about grapes.

Click here for a printable page with lots of info about grapes.

Recipes

Tostadas with Grape Jicama Salsa

Ingredients

8 handmade-style corn tortillas or store-bought tostadas
As needed cooking spray or vegetable oil of choice
2 cups seedless grapes, chopped
1 cup chopped jicama (about 1/2 medium jicama)
1 avocado, diced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 jalapeño, seeded & finely chopped
1 lime, zested and juiced
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 (15-ounce) can refried beans, warmed

Source: Grapes From California

Serving

4 servings. Two tostadas each.

Time

15 minutes

Directions

1. Use store bought tostadas or make your own. To make your own tostadas, preheat the oven to 400 F. Place the tortillas on a baking sheet and mist them with cooking spray or an oil of your choice. Bake for 5 minutes, flip and bake an additional 3 to 5 minutes, until crisp.
   
   
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the grapes, jicama, avocado, cilantro, jalapeño, lime zest and juice, and salt.
   
   
3. Spread the beans on the tortillas and top them evenly with the salsa mixture.
   
   Variations
   
   Try black beans instead of refried beans for a healthier option.
   
   Purchase tostadas instead of making your own for a quicker meal.
   
   

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