History
/ Geography
Grapes are the oldest fruit known to man. The Spanish are credited with the
introduction of grapes to America over 300 years ago.
Grapes are grown in the temperate zones around the world including Africa,
Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America.
California is the United States' major grape producer.
Varieties / Season
There are over 8000 varieties of grapes all of which are smooth- skinned and
juicy. Some of these have seeds, others are seedless.
Some have a "slip-skin", a skin which can easily be removed, and
others do not. Grapes have two different color categorical types;
white or black. The white grapes range
in color from yellow to a light green, whereas the black
range in color from red to a purplish black.
Commercially grapes are divided into three types: wine grapes (with a high
acidity, thus too tart to eat); table grapes (low acidity); and grapes for
commercial food production such as raisins, currants, grape jelly, juice etc.
Season: Late summer
How to Choose
Choose plump, brightly colored berries with no sign of browning and no sign
of green (a sign that the grapes are not ripe - grapes will not ripen after
being picked). If possible shake each bunch gently.
If any grapes fall off the vine then the grapes are too old. If they remain
tightly onto their vine then they are suitable to take home.
Storage
Store grapes unwashed in an airtight container in the refrigerator up
to a week!
Nutritional Qualities
Vitamin A
Trivia
In ancient times grapes were eaten to increase one's fertility and to
increase one's chances at having dreams. Also, in ancient Egypt,
mummies were often entombed with grapes in their graves.
Equivalencies
1 lb. fresh = 2 1/2 - 3 cups cut up
Preparation
Wash thoroughly in a water and lemon juice (or white vinegar) before eating.
This will help remove any insecticides sprayed on the grapes while growing.
Grapes are best served fresh and cold at approximately 60
degrees F (15 degrees C). To achieve this remove grapes from
the refrigerator approximately 30 minutes prior to serving.
If you would like your grapes peeled freeze them first.
Then make a slight incision into the skin with a pairing
knife and begin peeling the skin off.
Additional Information (Web Sites)
http://www.tablegrape.com
http://www.concordgrape.org
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