Most of us remove grapes from their stems one by one, and it’s not because we don’t desire to have all of them out of their stems at the same time. The reason is simple: we just don’t know how!
Luckily, we’ve found a simple and fast way to pluck all your grapes in one fell swoop. We’re happy to show you. But before we dive in, why do we have to purchase these berries in their stems, anyway?
Why Are Grapes Sold in Their Stems?
Normally, it would be easier to sell grapes without the stems. Stem-less grapes are easier to package and carry around. But life begins to move fast for these red, green, or purple bags of juice once they separate from their natural supports.
Source: Quora
Their skin begins to weaken pretty quickly as soon as they leave their stems. So, the decision to not destem grapes is both healthy and economical.
One Way to Know the Best Grapes
Want to know the best grapes to buy? Here’s some advice from the University of California, San Diego Center for Community Health. In their report, they disclosed that the grapes most firmly fastened to the stems are the most suitable for purchase because they last longer.
Source: Quora
Also, give preference to grapes with dry and brittle stems. That’s another indicator of a grape’s well-being.
No More Fruit Salads Without Grapes
Fruit salads remain one of the most exciting desserts ever. Grapes add a whole new dimension to its taste. For many people, salads aren’t complete without these balls of juice.
Source: Quora
Getting all those grapes out of their stems is where the biggest challenge lies. For this reason, many salads have ended up without grapes. But not anymore. We’ve got the answer.
There’s an Easy Method
Across the popular social media site, Tiktok, an easy technique for removing grapes from their stems has spread. To do this, you need only one lint-free kitchen towel and you are all set.
Source: Homesweetyou/YouTube
Place the bunch of grapes right in the middle of the towel then fold the towel over it to cover all the grapes. There’s just one more step remaining at this point.
It’s Just a Matter of Seconds
While you hold the ends of the towel to keep the grapes from rolling out, gently apply some pressure on the towel with your hands. Move and roll them around with your palms as you keep the pressure consistent.
Source: harvestkitchen1/Pinterest
In time, in fact, in just a matter of seconds, you can open the towel to reveal the grapes that have neatly detached from their stems.
Ready to Eat!
Aside from salads, another reason you might want to have your grapes all removed from their stem is to have quite a handful in your mouth at the same time. Now, you can sit before the TV while you fulfill the fantasy of popping juice from a mouthful of grapes.
Source: love_sienna03/Tiktok
Whatever your reason, this incredible grape destemming method will ensure your grapes are ready to eat in record time.
No Fancy Tools or Special Equipment Required
Another exciting part of this technique is that it doesn’t need any special or fancy equipment. It requires little or no money too.
Source: Quora
Viewers on Tiktok were full of praise for the video even as they testified to how much easier it’s made their lives. “I’m a lunch lady and regularly have to pluck cases of grapes from their vines. Thank you. you just saved me HOURS,” one comment read.
The Destemming Machine
On an industrial scale, having a machine for removing grapes from their stem is even more crucial. The destemming machine was introduced and manufactured for this purpose.
Source: Quora
This machine operates with two major components: a beater shaft and a rotating drum. The shaft is fitted with pins to beat the berries from the stem. On the other hand, the rotating drum which has some holes, serves as a sieve.
How Well Does it Work?
The destemming machine doesn’t come without its share of challenges. The machine doesn’t have 100% efficiency in plucking grapes. So for some grapes, you would have incomplete removal from their stems.
Source: Quora
The destemmer also has a challenge of broken stems ending up with berries. This distorts the flavor of the wine that is produced from the process.
The Towel Method Works With an Impressive Efficiency
Compared to the destemmer machine, the towel technique works with a much higher degree of effectiveness. Even though there isn’t a small-scale machine for domestic grape-plucking, there’s a pretty good chance that the towel method, with its almost 100% (if not 100%) efficiency, will remain the better option.
Source: chillsblog/Tiktok
Be careful not to apply too much pressure and you can be sure of 100% undamaged grapes.
It’s Great for Everyone Especially People With Major Disabilities
This tip is perfect for a vast range of persons, including those living with motor disabilities. For example, someone with Parkinson’s disease once recorded himself as he tried the hack.
Source: Quora
The video which he later posted on Instagram showed that even with the shaking, stiffness, and the challenge of balance and combination, he could easily pluck out many grapes from their stem at once.
