The tips below will teach you why, when, and how to wash grapes
Take extra care when you're cleaning them to remove as much pesticide residue as possible.
To clarify, the whitish film you often see on grapes isn't from pesticides; it's called "bloom," a waxy coating produced by the plant itself to protect the fruit. While the bloom is safe to eat, it can taste bitter and chalky, so we suggest thoroughly washing your grapes.
Hold off on washing grapes until you're ready to eat them! The washing process adds excess moisture, which can cause the grapes to decompose faster than they otherwise would.
How to Wash Grapes
Empty the grapes from their container into an appropriately sized colander.
Turn on your faucet, letting cool water stream over the grapes. Using your hands, move the grapes around so that every side gets cleaned.
If you've decided to remove the broom, sprinkle a little baking soda and/or salt over the grapes in the colander and gently scrub them with your hands. This light exfoliation will remove the bloom and make the grapes sparkle. (Note: Do not use detergent or soap for this step, as it's not safe for consumption.)
Rinse off the baking soda and/or salt with cool water.
After a thorough rinse, dry the grapes in the colander with a clean dish towel or paper towel.
How to Store Grapes After Washing
While you should avoid washing grapes until you're ready to eat them, we have a few tips for storage if you've gone ahead and washed them anyway. First, let them dry as completely as possible after they've been washed. This is because excess moisture can lead to faster spoiling. Once dry, store grapes in a ventilated bag in a cold spot of the refrigerator. The air flow and chill will help preserve the fruit for about three weeks.
