Grape Leaves

Grape leaves have varying expiration timeframes depending on how they're stored. Packaged and unopened grape leaves, have a shelf life of up to two years from the packaged date, provided they're stored in a cool and dry place. Once opened, if refrigerated, they should be consumed within two weeks. Fresh grape leaves, on the other hand, should be used within a few days. If you want to freeze grape leaves, you can. Just ensure they're tightly sealed in a freezer bag or container. In the freezer, they can last up to a year.

Determining whether grape leaves have gone bad isn't too tricky. If they're canned or jarred, check for any signs of mold or an unusual smell as these are strong indicators of spoilage. Also, an 'off' taste would also be an evident sign. When it comes to fresh grape leaves, if they've turned a dark brown or black color, or if they're wilting and slimy to the touch, they've likely gone bad. Its always better to discard suspicious leaves to prevent any foodborne illnesses.

• Always keep grape leaves in a cool, dry place before they're opened. • After opening, make sure to seal the package or jar tightly and refrigerate immediately to prevent any bacterial growth. • For storing fresh grape leaves, wrap them in a damp paper towel, then place them inside a plastic bag, and store in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. • Rinse and blanch fresh grape leaves before freezing. After that, drain them and pack in a tight sealed freezer bag or container to prevent freezer burn. • If grape leaves are preserved in jars, ensure they're covered by their preservation liquid to keep fresh for longer. • Rotate your stock. Use older leaves first before new ones.