Grapes are delicious and nutritious, but they’re also delicate and prone to spoilage. While it’s easy to tell if a grape is overripe and mushy, it can be harder to spot signs of rot or mold.

That’s why it’s important to know the telltale signs of spoiled grapes, so you can avoid eating them and getting sick. Here are some tips on how to tell if your grapes are rotten:.

1. Check for visible signs of mold

If you can see mold on your grapes, that’s a clear sign that they’re spoiled. Mold can be green, black, or white, and it will look fuzzy or powdery.

If there’s just a little bit of mold on a grape, you might be able to cut it off and salvage the rest of the grape, but if there’s a lot of mold, it’s best to throw the whole bunch away.

2. Look for discoloration

If your grapes are discolored or have brown spots, that’s a sign that they’re starting to rot. Fresh grapes should be plump and brightly colored, so if they look dull or shriveled, that’s not a good sign.

3. Smell them

Smell is often the first way to tell if fruit is starting to go bad. If your grapes have a sour or musty odor, that means they’re starting to spoil. Fresh grapes should have a sweet, fruity scent.

4. Check the stems

The stems of your grapes can also give you an idea of whether they’re still fresh. If the stems are brown or withered, that’s a sign that the grapes are past their prime. Fresh grapes should have green, flexible stems.

5. Give them a gentle squeeze

Fresh grapes should feel firm to the touch, but not too hard. If they’re mushy or squishy, that’s a sign that they’re starting to rot. You should also avoid grapes that are too soft or wrinkled.

Related Article Shady pickles: The 4 red flags to spot

6. Check the package date

If you’re buying grapes from the grocery store, check the package for the sell-by or use-by date. This will give you an idea of how long the grapes have been sitting on the shelf.

If the grapes are past their expiration date, they’re more likely to be spoiled.

7. Store them properly

One of the best ways to prevent your grapes from going bad is to store them properly. Keep them refrigerated in an airtight container, and don’t wash them until you’re ready to eat them.

This will help prevent mold growth and keep the grapes fresh for longer.

8. Check the other grapes

If you’ve noticed one or two grapes that look suspicious, check the rest of the bunch. If the majority of the grapes look fine, you can still eat them.

But if there are a lot of grapes that are starting to show signs of spoilage, it’s best to throw the whole bunch away.

9. Look out for sliminess

If your grapes feel slimy to the touch or have a slimy film on the surface, that’s a sign that they’re rotting. This sliminess is usually caused by bacteria or mold growth, and it’s not safe to eat.

10. Trust your instincts

Finally, trust your instincts when it comes to deciding whether or not to eat your grapes. If they look or smell off, or if you’re not sure about their freshness, it’s better to err on the side of caution and throw them out.