Seedless Grapes

Plump sweet seedless grapes have long been a favorite among kids and adults alike, both for their flavor and ease of eating. There are more than a dozen varieties of seedless grapes, ranging in color from white/green to red/black. No mater what color you prefer, grapes are high in fiber and vitamin C, making them a colorful way to reach your 5-a-day fruit and vegetable servings.

Selection:

Fresh seedless grapes are available year round. Chilean grapes, available in the U.S. from December through May, are high in quality and offer a welcome way to enjoy fresh fruit during the winter months.

Grapes do not ripen after harvesting, so look for plump, smooth grapes with rich deep color. A dusty bloom on the skin of the grape itself is also a good indication of freshness.

Looking for the sweetest bunch? Green or white grapes will have a golden amber glow when they’re at their peak. Red grapes will be a soft, rich red, while black grapes will have a full, deep, blue-black color.

Storage:

Grapes are very delicate so handle carefully. Refrigerate dry, unwashed grapes in a plastic bag for up to a week. For longer storage, grapes can be canned, pickled, frozen, or made into juice or sweet spreads to enhance meals throughout the year.

Tips:

  • Moisture will make grapes deteriorate rapidly, so don’t wash them until you’re ready to eat.
  • Serve fresh grapes, slightly chilled to enhance their crisp texture and refreshing flavor.
  • Making a recipe that called for peeled grapes?
    Grapes are easier to peel when they’re frozen. Just rinse frozen grapes in lukewarm water until skins split. Skins will then slip right off.

Recipe Ideas:

Grapes are about 80 percent water, making them a quick satisfying low-calorie snack. Fresh grapes are also great over low-fat yogurt, tarts, or pavlovas.

Grapes are a perfect match for salads, sweet or savory.  Try a classic Creamy Grape Salad, add them to chicken salad spread, or simply sprinkle grape halves over your favorite lettuce or spinach salad.

Fresh grapes also pair wonderfully with a variety of cheeses, such as fontina, blue cheese, and feta.  Serve with an elegant cheese plate or skewer grapes with cheese and strawberries to make fun kabobs.

Cooking grapes helps condense their sweet flavor.  Roasted grapes can be served over blue cheese and toast or with a sweet ricotta pudding. Roasted grapes can also add an unexpected sweet note to poultry, pheasant, and pork.

With so many ways to serve them, you can enjoy grapes everyday!

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References:

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Posted: January 30, 2011 | Permalink