How to freeze grapes, thaw them, storage period, and 5 recipes! [Explanation with photos! ]

Although it is not widely known, did you know that grapes can be frozen?

In fact, grapes are compatible with freezing, and by freezing, those tightly stuck skins can be removed easily.

In this article, we will introduce how to freeze grapes, as well as explain the true nature of the white powder on the surface and delicious ways to eat frozen grapes.

If you currently have grapes at home, please read on.

Advantages of freezing grapes

Easier to peel

Have you ever experienced the frustration of not being able to peel the grapes?

In fact, freezing grapes makes it easier to peel them.

Soaking frozen grapes in water will create a slight gap between the skin and the fruit. Then, you will be able to peel the skin smoothly and without stress.

The skin peels off very easily, so please give it a try.

Also, if you really want to peel it at room temperature, try peeling it from the other side instead of the side with the tassels. It may not be smooth, but it will peel cleanly.

Allows long-term storage

Grapes can be stored for 2 to 3 days at room temperature, or for about a week in a cool, dark place.

If you use frozen storage, it can be stored for 2 to 3 weeks, making it possible to preserve it for a longer period of time.

Freezing method

frozen whole

1. Separate the grapes from the bunches.

2. Wash with water and wipe dry thoroughly.

3. Place in a freezer bag and freeze.

Thawing method and storage period

How to thaw grapes

Frozen grapes can be used while frozen.

If you want to thaw it, it's best to thaw it at room temperature or under running water.

Grape storage period

Please consume frozen grapes within 2 to 3 weeks.

Of course, if you make jam or syrup, you can store it for 2-3 weeks or more.

Trivia

white powder on grapes

Have you ever seen a whitish powdery substance on the surface of grapes?

The true identity of that white powder is called fruit powder. Powder is a substance produced by grapes to protect themselves, so it protects the grapes from rain, wind, and dryness.

In rare cases, some people mistake the fruit powder for pesticide residue or something. However, in reality, the opposite is true; pulp is a very important element that maintains the delicious taste of grapes.

Therefore, when eating grapes at home, it is a good idea to leave the white powder on them until just before eating.

How to easily remove grape seeds

If you want to remove the seeds from grapes that contain seeds, especially large ones, you can easily remove the seeds using a straw.

All you need is a straw with a diameter of 6mm cut into 15cm lengths.

As shown in the image below, insert the straw from the part where the bunch of grapes was attached and pass it through to the other side. This way, the seeds will stay inside the straw and you can easily remove them (you can also peel them).

Delicious ways to eat frozen grapes

yogurt mousse and grape jelly

☑材料（4人分）
【ヨーグルトムース】
・無糖ヨーグルト　150g
●グラニュー糖　45g
●生クリーム　100g
●キルシュ酒　5g
◆ゼラチン　5g
◆水　25g
【ぶどうゼリー】
・ぶどうジュース　200g
○グラニュー糖　20g
○アガー　3g
・冷凍ぶどう　20粒

<How to make>
1) Mix the ingredients ◆ and leave it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
2) Add the ● ingredients to a bowl and mix well.
3) Pour the yogurt into another bowl and add the gelatin from (1) there.
4) Strain the yogurt from (3) and add it to (2), mix well, pour into a cup and refrigerate.
5) After cooling for about 30 minutes, peel the frozen grapes and add about 5 grapes to each cup.
6) Heat the grape juice and once it boils, add the mixed ingredients.
7) Stir for about 30 seconds and it's OK if the sugar dissolves. Cool to body temperature.
8) Once it has cooled and thickened, pour it over the mousse from (5) and chill it in the refrigerator for about an hour.

Easy thick gelato

☑材料（3人分）
・冷凍ぶどう　250g
・牛乳　50cc
・砂糖　大さじ2
・ミント　お好みで

<How to make>
1) Peel the frozen grapes.
2) Add all the ingredients to a mixer and it's done when it's smooth.
★If you like, add mint to make it look stylish.

all-purpose syrup

☑材料
・冷凍ぶどう　600g程度
・砂糖　400g

<How to make>
Use frozen grapes with their skins on.
1) Put grapes and sugar in a bowl and mix.
2) As you mix, water will come out, so put all that water into the pressure cooker.
3) Heat it and remove it from the heat 5 minutes after it starts to build up pressure to release the pressure.
4) Place in a strainer and press down with a rubber spatula until all that remains is the seeds and skin.
5) Put it in a jar for storage and it's done.

smoothie with yogurt

☑材料（1~2人分）
・冷凍ぶどう　150~200g
・無糖ヨーグルト　150g

<How to make>
1) It is easier to work with frozen grapes if you remove the seeds beforehand and then freeze them.
2) Place the frozen grapes and yogurt in a blender and blend until the grape skins are finely chopped.
★You can also use sugar or sweetened yogurt if you like.

Jam with skin

☑材料
・冷凍ぶどう　好きなだけ
・砂糖　ぶどうの1/3の量

<How to make>
1) It is easier to work with frozen grapes if you remove the seeds beforehand and then freeze them.
2) Place the grapes and sugar in a blender and blend until the skins become fine.
3) Put (2) into a pot and bring to a simmer over low to medium heat.
4) Drain the water and turn off the heat when the mixture reaches your desired viscosity.
5) Once it has cooled down, put it in a storage container and it's done.

Conclusion

How do you freeze grapes?

When freezing, we explained that you should wash and wipe off the moisture before freezing, and the shelf life is 2 to 3 weeks, and you can eat it frozen (or thaw it at room temperature or under running water).

Freezing grapes has the advantage of making them easier to peel. The freezing process itself is very simple, so please try it at home.