Is it safe to eat the powdery coating on grapes?

Yet I hesitate when the grapes in my fridge become a little wrinkly and dull.

If your grapes just have a frosty-looking white sheen to them, they are actually OK to eat.

hand placing grapes in a bowl

Simply Recipes / Photo Illustration by Wanda Abraham / Getty Images

That powdery-looking coatingcalled bloomis a natural substance that seals in the fruits moisture and protects against insects and bacteria.

How To Keep Grapes Fresh

First, make smart choices at the grocery store.

Dont buy them if they are soft, sticky, discolored, or wrinkly.

Cleaning grapes

Elise Bauer

Once you get them home, dont wash grapes until you are ready to eat them.

Washing produce adds moisture, which creates ideal conditions for spoilage.

Dont store grapes near apples, avocados, tomatoes, or other types of produce that releaseethylene.

cleaning grapes

Elise Bauer

Thats a gas produced by some produce that can cause sensitive fruits and vegetables to ripen more quickly.

Stored this way, they could last up to three weeks.

Can You Eat Bad Grapes?

Grapes that are moldy, shriveled, or oozing should be tossed into the compost pile.

Eating moldy fruit can trigger respiratory issues, gastrointestinal problems, or allergic reactions.