Later, Mushy Grapes: 5 Simple Ways to Them Fresh for Longer

Harvest season is just wrapping up in

wine world, which means that grapes are at top of mind. Grapes are a delicious standalone snack, with a poppable and portable sweet-meets-tart taste that makes them the perfect treat. A mushy grape, though, is decidedly less delicious.

While

composting is always an option, produce-gone-bad often ends up in landfills where it releases methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to 

global warming. So why not take some extra steps to preserve your food's just-picked appeal?

If you're wondering exactly how to keep your grapes fresh, tricks and tips exist to help keep your bunches ripe—but not overripe—for a longer period of time. Here's how to store your grapes so they last longer.

First things first: Buy your grapes on the stem, and resist the urge to remove them. Grapes stored on the stem stay fresh for a longer period of time, as the stem prevents oxygen from infiltrating the flesh.

One bad grape can really ruin things for the rest of the bunch. As such, discard any rotting, molding, or mushy grapes prior to storing.

Stop! Don't rinse your grapes just yet. Too much moisture can speed up the process of decay, so refrain from washing your grapes until you are ready to eat or serve.

Grapes love your refrigerator; the ideal condition for grapes is

30-32 degrees. If stored at the right temperature, grapes will last longer than most other berries.

Showcasing grapes in a bowl on the counter is certainly visually appealing, but save the step until you're ready for snacking.

There's a reason that grape packaging features ample holes. A flow of oxygen helps keep grapes at peak freshness, so avoid air-tight containers that can encourage the creation of moisture (as previously noted, the enemy of freshness).