washing grapes
 

This is really random, but you ladies seem to know about everything! When I buy grapes, I wash them in a colander, pick them off the stems, and put them in a covered bowl to keep in the fridge. I try to wash them carefully, though I don't soak them. Every time at the bottom of the bowl, there is dirty water- like water with actual dirt in it, when we get toward the bottom of the bowl. How do you wash grapes? Am I missing something? It seems gross to have them sitting in dirt water. Do I have to soak them? Where is the dirt coming from?!

Re: washing grapes
 

I get bits of the stem at the bottom but I don’t ever get dirt. I wash them in the bag or in a colander or in the dish drying rack just with water and let them sit out and get as dry as possible before putting them back in the fridge. Usually though I only wash what someone’s going to eat just then.

Re: washing grapes
 

I've seen that after I wash grapes, too, but my thought was that it was some juice from the grapes mixed in with the water I washed them in since I don't take the time to get them really dry. :shrug3 I hate to think they might still be dirty. :shifty

Re: washing grapes
 

Side note: grapes stay fresher longer ON the stems.

Re: washing grapes
 

Grapes are so dirty, especially red ones IME. I cut the large bunches into small bunches, then spray fruit and veggie wash directly on the grapes, move them gently around in the bowl, then cover with water and swish for a minute, drain, cover with rinse water, swish, and drain. It only takes a minute. :lol By the time I'm finished, the water is clear. For other things like berries I just spray some f & v wash in the water, but grapes get special treatment because they are just so dirty.

Re: washing grapes
 

I've recently started doing a little soak with a bit of white vinegar and then rinsing them.

We usually store them on the stems, but cut in little clusters that are easy to grab. Dh grew up with MIL fixing them that way and it does make it easy for the kids.

Re: washing grapes
 

Good tips on better ways to wash them! Thanks! We usually eat them pretty fast so they don't go bad. And they elate eaten faster when I get them destemmed and ready to eat. I will have to do some more vigorous washing!

Re: washing grapes
 

Me, too. :doh:shifty

Re: washing grapes
 

I wash in a colander with just water. Often we leave them in the colander with a towel underneath it on shelf in the fridge. Grapes get eaten so quickly that works and saves steps.

If we really don't have room and I need to transfer to something smaller I put them on a towel to dry off then a Tupperware.

Re: washing grapes
 

I wash the grapes in the bag they come in and leave the grapes in the colander and then a bowl under it and leave it on the counter. At night, I just put the bag in the fridge because it’s usually dry by then.

Re: washing grapes
 

Put a cloth towel or paper towel at the bottom of the bowl to absorb excess moisture.