Grapes, grapes, glorious grapes! Is there such a thing as too many grapes? Well, there is if they are at risk of going bad rather than being eaten.
Did you grow a grapevine that has produced a grape glut? Or maybe you couldn’t resist those “buy one and get one free” deals at the local supermarket? Either way, you might be stuck for ideas on using up your extra grapes and that’s where we can help.
Grapes are loved by all and have an important place in the world of food – hello, wine anyone?
However, trying to find ways of using up your grape glut can be tricky and you may need to use more imagination than with other fruits. However, there are still ways to ensure not one of those grapes turns squishy and bad so keep reading!
Jump To...
Freeze Your Grape Glut
Freezing grapes is a quick and easy option for future use or even if you just aren’t sure what to do with them yet.
Due to their size, they don’t take up too much room and freeze quickly. You can eat them frozen as part of a healthy snack too – great on those hot days and healthier than an ice cream. See more on how to freeze grapes at home, our guide will show you all the steps!
Grapes in Smoothies
Grapes perhaps aren’t the first fruit you think of when preparing a smoothie but they add extra sweetness to them.
With just 4 ingredients you can have a delicious and thirst-quenching smoothie prepped in minutes.
Simply toss some grapes (they can be frozen ones), a banana, milk, and some yoghurt into a blender and whizz together. If they are seeded grapes then they will add some extra texture to your drink.
Make Grape Jam
Yes, grape jam is a thing even if you don’t often see it available in the shops. Surely this is another plus to growing your own supply?
Once it’s made it actually stays edible for a very long time and even once opened, you have months to use the stuff. You don’t need to faff around with peeling them first either – life is way too short for that nonsense!
Infusing Grapes with Alcohol
Right, if you’ve never tried some champagne-soaked grapes you’ve been missing out! To be honest, it doesn’t need to be champagne – you can soak your grapes into your favourite tipple, whatever that may be.
A perfect summer day’s treat or maybe perfect as an appetiser for a dinner party. Whatever the occasion, soaking your grapes in alcohol is something to definitely sample. They are very popular over the pond, but why should Americans get all the fun?
How To Enjoy Alcohol-Soaked Grapes
- Find some suitable mason jars with airtight lids.
- Remove the grapes from their vine and give them a rinse under the tap.
- Pop the washed grapes into the jars.
- Pour your favourite tipple over the grapes, enough to cover them.
- Pop in a cold place or the fridge for a few days, or longer.
- Once you are ready to serve them, drain them well.
- Hey, don’t waste that alcohol – it’s still very much drinkable!
- While the grapes are still wet, toss them in sugar.
- Eat, enjoy, be merry!
Bottling and Canning Your Grape Glut
One way to ensure your grapes stay fresh and don’t go squishy is to bottle them for all year enjoyment. How many of us enjoyed those tins of fruit cocktail as a child and there were usually grapes in those.
You won’t need to add as much sugar when canning grapes as they are sweet enough already. You will just need a light syrup and remember to leave headspace.
Roasting Grapes
Roast chicken, roast pork, roast beef – these roll off the tongue easily don’t they? Did you know though, you can also roast grapes? This is a great way to use up a glut and they make a great snack or part of a main meal.
How To Roast Grapes
- Wash the grapes, taking them off the vines.
- In a bowl, toss them in some oil.
- Add some salt, pepper, or another seasoning of your choice.
- Spread them out on a baking tray.
- Pop them on a fairly high heat and shake the tray every so often.
- You will want the grapes to burst slightly but not be a gooey mess so just keep checking on them.
- Serve with meat or cheese and enjoy!
Juice Your Grape Glut
Homemade grape juice is something special and by making it yourself, you know exactly what’s in it. It’s just lovely on those summer mornings when you want a nice refreshing drink instead of a coffee.
It’ll be a big hit with all the family so make sure you make plenty!
