Grapes

Grapes are berries that grow in tight clusters. They come in many different colors ranging from white, green, orange, pink, and purple. The United States ranks 3^rd in the world for grape production, just behind China and Italy. Over a million acres of farmland is being used for grape production in the United States. Of these million acres, only about 6,000 are located in Texas.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Order: Vitales
• Family: Vitaceae
• Genus: Vitis
• Species: Vitis vinifera

Grape Trivia

• While it was thought that the Spanish brought grapes to the United States, several grape species are native to North America
• About 50% of all the grape produced in the United States are made into wine
• The oldest known grapevine in the United States is over 400 years old
• While it may not seem like it, grape growing is the largest industry in the world
• The yearly grape consumption for an average American is eight pounds per person
• About 10% of all the grapes grown in the United States are certified organic

Grape Buying Guide

To select the best table grapes, first, check if the stems are still green and pliable and not brown and woody. Next, check if the berries are plump and smooth, avoid grapes that are starting to look shriveled and dry.

That white powdery stuff you see on the surface is normal. This is called “bloom,” and this protects the grape from moisture loss and decay.

Grapes come in a wide range of colors, and it’ll take pages and pages to explain the taste of each variety of grape. Here are some quick flavor profiles (take note these are just generalizations) of the different colored grapes.

• Red/Purple – Red/Purple grapes have tougher skin than other colors and are generally sweet and have an almost crispy texture.
• White/Green – White/Green grapes have thinner skin. While these are also sweet, they also have a little bit of a bitter kick to them as well as some tartness.
• Red/Purple vs. White/Green – Darker color grapes have more phytonutrients. Nutrition-wise, the darker variants win, but it all boils down to taste preference.

Grape Production & Farming in Texas

Since Texas is a large state, vineyards in each area grow the variety of grape that is suited to the geography and climate of the area.

• Texas High Plains – The top variants of grapes that are grown in the Texas High Plains are the following: Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Merlot, and Mourvèdre. All of these go to the production of top-rated Texas wines.
• North Texas – Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Blanc du Bois, Black Spanish, and Syrah/Shiraz.
• Southeast Texas – Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Blanc du Bois, Black Spanish, and Muscadine.
• West Texas – Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Viognier and Malbec.
• The Texas Hill Country – Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Black Spanish, Merlot, and Syrah/Shiraz.

If you take a look at the areas, most of the grapes grown are similar, with only one or two different variants differentiating each area from the next.

Pesticides:

Grapes rank number six on the dirty dozen list, which means that there are a number of pesticide residue found on a lot of the samples they are testing.

Since 10% of U.S. grape production has already shifted to being certified organic, you should be able to find organic grapes in most farmers’ markets and specialty stores.

Geography:

Grapes thrive in deep, well-drained, and loose soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5. If possible, the area should have full sun, but if the full sun is not available, at least a healthy amount of morning sun should be present.

Packaging:

Grapes that are destined for winemaking are usually mechanically harvested as the overall exterior quality of the grapes, and individual characteristics are all blended up to make wine.

Table grapes, on the other hand, are picked/cut from the vines by hand. They are tested on the vine for sugar content, texture, and taste before being harvested. Since grapes do not ripen once they are removed from the vine, it is essential to make sure that they are at optimum ripeness before being picked.

After the grapes are picked, they are hand-sorted and packed according to customer specifications. Once packed, they are cooled down before being transported out.

Enjoying Grapes

Since grapes are always on the dirty dozen list, you should rinse out the grapes under running water for at least 30 seconds. After rinsing the grapes, submerge them in cold water for about 10-15 minutes to remove and pesticide residue on the surface of the grapes. Give them a final rinse under running water, and you’re all set to enjoy your grapes.

Be careful of grape pits/seeds as they are pretty tough. Also, be careful when eating “seedless” grapes as some grapes may still contain seed traces, and they can even chip a tooth if bitten on hard enough.

Storage:

To extend the life of your table grapes, you can store them inside the fridge for up to two weeks. Don’t wash your grapes before storing them and only wash them before consumption.

When storing in the fridge, avoid storing next to anything with strong odors as grapes readily absorb smells of anything beside them.

Store them in an area with space around them. You wouldn’t want your grapes to get squashed inside of the fridge.

If you want your grapes to last longer, freezing is also an option. First, you wash your grapes thoroughly, then freeze in a single layer for a few hours. Once the grapes are individually frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for longer-term storage. Do take note that once grapes are thawed, you have to consume/use them as they can no longer be re-frozen or stored in the fridge.

Cooking:

Grapes can be enjoyed raw and cooked. Make sure to rinse and wash your grapes thoroughly before using them in any recipe. They make for wonderful additions to drinks, sides, and desserts. Grapes can also be sautéed, grilled, roasted, or pickled.

Nutrition:

Grapes come in many varieties and colors, but they all share one characteristic: They’re good for you!

• Carbs
  • Most of the carbs from the grape come from sugars.
  • The glycemic index of grapes average around 59, so they will affect your blood sugar levels if consumed in a high amount
• Fiber
  • Grapes contain a decent amount of fiber and water, which can help you stay hydrated. The fiber content also helps you keep bowel movements regular and helps with constipation.
• Vitamins and minerals:
  • Grapes contain a lot of antioxidants known as polyphenols.
    • Polyphenols have long been thought to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
    • The skin of red grapes contains resveratrol, which studies have suggested can slow and prevent tumor growth in various parts of the body.
  • Grapes have a high potassium content which can help balance out excessive sodium consumption.
  • Consuming grapes on a reasonable basis lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to seven percent.

When Are Grapes in Season in Texas?