How To Thoroughly Clean Your Grapes With One Pantry Staple

Thoroughly cleaning your grapes is essential to remove pesticides, dirt, and bacteria. An effective and simple method involves using a common pantry staple: baking soda. Start by placing your grapes in a colander, which allows easy rinsing and drainage. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the grapes, ensuring they are evenly coated. Gently massage the grapes with your hands to help the baking soda loosen any grime or residue. This scrubbing action, combined with the abrasive nature of baking soda, aids in effectively cleaning the surface of the grapes. Next, rinse the grapes thoroughly under cold running water. This step is crucial to wash away the baking soda and any loosened debris. You may want to repeat the rinsing process to ensure all residues are removed. Finally, allow the grapes to air dry or gently pat them dry with a clean towel before enjoying them. This method not only cleans the grapes but also helps maintain their natural taste and texture. Using baking soda is an affordable and natural way to ensure your grapes are ready to eat, free from unwanted contaminants.
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A few tips for washing and storing your grapes

Although it may be tempting to wash your grapes right after purchasing them from the store, it's best to wait unless you intend to use them immediately or consume them within a few days. Washing them before storing can introduce extra moisture, which may cause them to spoil more quickly.

To keep your grapes fresh for as long as possible, store them unwashed in the refrigerator, ideally in a produce drawer set to high humidity. This high-humidity environment helps prevent the grapes from drying out. If you don’t have a designated produce bin or lack space, you can place the grapes on a shelf in the fridge, ensuring they are either in their original container or in a container with ventilation holes.

When you're ready to enjoy grapes, you can wash them as needed or wash a bunch you plan to eat within a few days and store it separately in the fridge. Alternatively, you can freeze your grapes for longer storage, but it's best to eat them frozen as a snack or use them as ice cube substitutes, as freezing can alter their texture and make them mushy.

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