There is a way to tell whether a bunch of grapes will be crisp and juicy or soft before you buy them, and it comes down to the colour of the stem.
The trick was explained by a TikTok user and has left more than 5.9 million people baffled. It works for red and green grape varieties alike.
How to always pick crispy grapes
If the stems are brown, the grapes are older and will have a softer texture. If the stems are still green, the grapes are fresher and will have more crunch when you bite into them.
Another indicator of freshness is a whitish, powdery coating on the berries known as "bloom". This natural shield keeps moisture in, so the fruit is fresh and crisp.
What shoppers say about the hack
The simple stem trick surprised many who said they had no idea it was so easy to tell. One person commented: "Also, if they are 'longer' they’re crunchier as well."
Another wrote: "This is true TO AN EXTENT! Take it from someone who literally has a grape ratings note in my notes app and on the hunt for the best grape - some varieties are just crunchier than others!!"
Some shoppers claim certain grape varieties are always crisper than others. For that reason, they recommend reading the packaging to identify which variety tends to be the crunchiest.
How to keep grapes fresh for longer
To keep grapes crisp for longer, store them somewhere cold, ideally in the coldest part of the fridge.
Avoid washing them all at once. Only wash grapes when you are ready to eat them, because moisture makes them soften and grow mould quickly.
For an even longer-lasting snack, freeze the grapes. They become a sweet, cold treat with a snappy crunch.
