The twelve grapes at midnight are an integral part of New Year’s Eve in Spain. The tradition dates back to the 19th century and is still alive in almost every household today. Each grape symbolises one month of the new year – making it all the more important that they are fresh and edible on 31 December.
As prices often rise significantly shortly before New Year’s Eve, many people buy their grapes several days in advance. To avoid any risk, it is important to store them correctly.
Spanien Press
Store in a cool place, but do not wash.
The most important point: grapes belong in the refrigerator, ideally in the vegetable compartment, where the temperature and humidity are stable.
A common mistake is to wash the grapes before storing them. The additional moisture promotes mould growth and shortens the shelf life. It is better to wash them just before eating.
Before storing, the bunch of grapes should be carefully checked. Damaged or soft grapes must be removed, as they accelerate the spoilage of the remaining fruit.
The simple trick with kitchen paper
A tried-and-tested household tip: place the grapes in an airtight container or bag and add a piece of kitchen paper. This absorbs excess moisture and ensures that the grapes stay fresh for longer.
When stored correctly, grapes will keep until New Year’s Eve without any problems, even if they were bought early.
Leftover grapes? No problem!
If you have any grapes left over after the New Year, they can easily be frozen – ideally in a glass container or a suitable freezer bag. Frozen grapes are ideal as a snack, in desserts or as a refreshing ingredient in drinks.
Why do people eat grapes on New Year’s Eve in Spain?
The tradition of the twelve grapes is not exclusively Spanish, but it is particularly deeply rooted here. It is also widespread in countries such as Venezuela and Ecuador.
Über ihren Ursprung gibt es mehrere Theorien. Eine der bekanntesten führt ins Jahr 1909, als eine außergewöhnlich große Traubenernte die Produzenten dazu brachte, den Konsum zu Silvester zu fördern. Historische Quellen zeigen jedoch, dass die Tradition bereits früher in wohlhabenden Kreisen existierte, wo man den Jahreswechsel mit Trauben und Champagner feierte.
Regardless of their exact origin, grapes are now an integral part of Spanish New Year’s Eve celebrations – and for many, the most important moment of the turn of the year.
