Using and Preserving Grapes:

Fresh Facts:

Fresh grapes maintain good quality for two days to three days in the refrigerator. Store in a covered container or plastic bag.
Just before use, wash grape clusters under a gentle spray of water, drain and pat dry.
Table grapes are at their best served slightly chilled to enhance their crisp texture and refreshing flavor.
Seedless grapes are used whole. For seeded grapes, remove seeds by cutting grapes into halves lengthwise and scooping out seeds with the point of a knife.
Grapes are easier to peel when they're frozen. Just rinse frozen grapes in lukewarm water until skins split. Skins will then slip right off.
When preparing small clusters of grapes for garnishing, cut the clusters with scissors. This helps keep the grapes attached to the stem.
For longer storage, grapes can be canned, frozen or made into juice or sweet spreads to enhance meals throughout the year. Grapes can be dried as raisins for use as a snack or in baking.

Seedless grapes can be canned whole for use in fruit salads and molded gelatin desserts. If seeded varieties are used, halve and remove seeds before canning.
Grape juice can be canned both sweetened and unsweetened. If juice will be made into jelly later, it's best to can it without sugar-then add the proper amount of sugar at jelly making time.
To prevent mold growth, seal grape jelly with two-piece canning lids and process for five minutes in a simmering water bath.

Frozen grape juice is of excellent quality-serve it alone or mixed with other juices. Freeze a few grape "popsicles" for an icy summer treat.
Freeze grape puree for use in making grape pie and to flavor yogurt.
Tray freeze seedless grapes and store them in freezer containers. When summer temperatures sizzle, chill summer drinks with "grape" ice cubes.
For an easy, refreshing summer dessert, serve tray frozen grapes in a chilled glass bowl.

The quality of dried grapes, or raisins, is excellent.
For best results, use seedless grapes. If seeded varieties are used, remove seeds as described under Fresh Facts before drying.
In areas of high humidity, sun-drying is not recommended. For best results, dry grapes in a dehydrator or oven. Make Grapes Part of Your 5 A Day Plan: It is easy to include grapes in your 5 A Day Plan. They're the original fast food so pack them before you leave home in your lunch or as a snack. Add grapes to any meal as a side dish, especially chicken. Eat grapes during a midmorning or midday snack. Freeze grapes and eat straight from the freezer.