How to Harvest and Store Grapes

Grapes are both the cornerstone of the humble peanut butter and jelly sandwich and the star ingredient of that vintage bottle of wine you've been saving. It's not surprising that they decorate home gardens, in one form or another, wherever they can be grown.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Garden Shears
• Gardening Gloves
• Knife

1. Test for sweetness once grapes have turned color and reached full size in late summer or fall by picking the bottom grape from each bunch to taste.

2. Cut the entire cluster with part of the stem still attached, using a sharp knife or strong scissors.

3. Eat fresh or keep unrefrigerated, but in a cool place, for up to a week.

4. Store for longer periods by processing into jellies, jams and preserves; drying or canning; pressing into juice; or making into wine.

Tips & Warnings

• European grapes and hybrids are best for eating fresh, drying and turning into award-winning wines.

• American grapes, also called bunch or fox grapes, are ideal for processing into jams, jellies, preserves, juice or sweeter wine.