All about grapes!

The first of our breakdown of the top 20 fruits and veggies in Canada, grapes are delicious and available year-round!

Selecting grapes: There are 3 main types of grapes:  white/green, red/purple, and blue/black.  Each has a slightly different level of sweetness and juiciness.

Because grapes do not ripen after picking, look for fruit at its peak of ripeness.  Always avoid wrinkled or sticky grapes.  Select grapes that are plump.  And check that they are firmly attached to green stems.  (The one exception to this rule is Emperor variety, as it is attached to a brown, woody stem.)

Storing grapes: Keep grapes in the fridge, unwashed, in a perforated plastic bag. (You will often find grapes sold in perforated bags.) When stored this way, grapes will keep for about 1 week.

Preparing grapes: Rinse well before serving.  For best flavour, serve at room temperature.

Note that grapes freeze well and so can be stored for long periods of time. Simply wash the fruit, dry with paper towel, remove stems, and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet.  Freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag.  Prepared this way, grapes will last up to a year. For an interesting taste sensation, eat the grapes frozen…There is no need to defrost them.

Eating grapes: Grapes are most often eaten as is and make a delicious addition to fruit or vegetable salads.  Grapes also create exceptional flavour balance when added to a cheese tray.

Grapes can also be used in entrees such as this Garlic Chicken and Grapes 

Seasonality: Grapes are available all year round!

Nutrition: About 100g of grapes have 69 calories.  Grapes contain flavonoids which are phytochemicals that help to keep you healthy and may also help prevent some types of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Sounds like a great reason to grab a bunch next time you’re out shopping!