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October 3, 2024
ByAna Rivas

A Comprehensive Guide to Table Grapes: History, Storage, and Nutritional Benefits

Table grapes are one of the world’s oldest and most cherished fruits that should have a place in your diet for their versatility and nutritional value.

A drawing of grapes on a vineyards and grapes in bowls on a table along grapeseed oil

Summary

Grapes are one of the world’s oldest and most cherished fruits, cultivated for millennia for their flavor, versatility, and nutritional value. With their origins steeped in history, grapes have evolved to become a global staple, consumed fresh as table grapes or transformed into wine, raisins, and other byproducts. This guide explores the history and background of grapes, focusing on table grapes, offering tips on selecting, storing, and preparing them, and delving into their nutritional content and benefits.

History and Background of Table Grapes

Grapes have been cultivated for over 6,000 years, originating in the Middle East, particularly in the regions now known as Turkey, Armenia, and Georgia. Known as Vitis vinifera, the common grapevine, is the species primarily associated with table and wine grapes. Grapes have a natural microorganism on the skin that we know as yeast, which explains the wine.(Wikipedia, 2024) As civilization expanded, so did the cultivation of grapes, spreading through the Mediterranean, Europe, and eventually to the New World.

In ancient times, grapes were revered for both their culinary and cultural significance. The Greeks, Cypriots, Phoenicians, Egyptians, and Romans utilized grapes not only as food but also for making wine, a symbol of social status and religious ritual. This exposure to so many cultures is how they are grown all over the world today, accounting to “about 72 million tons of grapes annually. Late August signals the beginning of grape harvest “(University of Missouri, 2013) During the Middle Ages, monasteries played a pivotal role in grape cultivation, especially for winemaking, which led to the development of various grape varieties that are still popular today.

The cultivation of table grapes, however, was distinct from grapes meant for wine. Table grapes are selected for their sweet, juicy flesh and thinner skins, making them perfect for fresh consumption. The most common varieties of table grapes include Thompson Seedless (the most popular in the United States), Red Globe, and Concord. Varieties (cultivars or specials of grapes) known today include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon blanc, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Tempranillo, Riesling, and Chardonnay. (Wikipedia)

Tips for Buying the Freshest Table Grapes

When selecting grapes, freshness is key to ensuring maximum flavor and nutritional benefits. Make sure to look for grapes without brown spots or mold, turn your grapes around to ensure you can see the bottom and the inner grapes and stems to spot any visible mold or brown spots. Keep in mind the pesticides on grapes, according to Food Print, grapes rank eighth on the Environmental Working Group’s 2023 Dirty Dozen list of fruits and vegetables most contaminated with pesticides.” (FoodPrint, n.d.)

Here are some tips for buying the freshest grapes:

Appearance: Fresh grapes should be plump and firm. They should have a consistent color depending on the variety—green grapes should be pale to light green, red grapes should have a deep hue, and black or purple grapes should be richly colored.
Bloom: A powdery, whitish film called “bloom” naturally covers the surface of grapes. This bloom is a good sign as it helps protect the fruit and indicates freshness.
• Stems: Look for stems that are green and flexible, not dry or brittle. If the stems appear brown or shriveled, the grapes may be old.
Tight bunches: A healthy bunch of grapes should feel tight. Loose grapes or a significant number of detached ones in the bag could indicate over-ripeness.

Where to Buy Fresh Table Grapes

Fresh grapes are widely available throughout the year, although they are at their peak from late summer to early fall. Here are some ideal places to buy the freshest grapes:

Farmers’ Markets: Local farmers’ markets often offer the freshest grapes, sometimes harvested the same day. These markets also provide opportunities to ask farmers directly about the grape varieties and their growing practices.
Grocery Stores: Major grocery chains carry a wide selection of grapes, particularly during the peak season. Check for organic varieties if you prefer pesticide-free options.
Specialty Grocers: Some stores specialize in organic or high-quality produce and often carry unique or less common varieties of grapes.
Online Retailers: Fresh produce can be ordered online from various specialty sites, and even mainstream retailers offer delivery services for grapes during their season.

Washing and Preparing Table Grapes

Washing grapes before consumption is essential to remove any pesticide residues, dirt, or bacteria. It is advised to wash them preferably just before eating to prevent them from spoiling prematurely, but I prefer to wash them as soon as I get home and store them in the refrigerator for consumption any time later on.

There are several methods of washing grapes, they all involve using water and a bowl. Some people soak them in a cleaning solution from 5 to 30 minutes. I wouldn’t soak them longer than 10 minutes. I guess that’s a personal preference.

Rinse under cold water: Sort and pick the grapes, avoiding spoiled, mold, or brown grapes, place in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold running water. Gently rub the grapes to dislodge any contaminants. Some variations of the rinse include:
- Vinegar. Use about a quarter of a cup for a bowl of water. If using spray fruit cleaner, be sure to cover all areas with the spray and let it sit for a couple of minutes before soaking or rinsing in water (I would still rub them gently to remove debris).
- Salt. You can use about a tablespoon of salt in the water for soaking, rub them gently to clean. You may soak them for a few minutes and rinse well when done.
- Baking soda. As with salt, about a tablespoon mixed in water, place the grapes in the bowl with the solution, rub them gently to clean, and let them sit for a few minutes. Rinse them well with clean water.
- A combination of salt and baking soda. Follow the same procedure of either cleaning with salt or baking soda above.

All methods follow pretty much the same steps, fill a bowl with cleaning solution, and place your grapes (no brown, spotted, or mushy grapes).

Rinse a couple of times, and let them dry before storing. My husband and son like to use a mild soapy water solution that allows them to wash them and discard the water immediately. No soaking is advised with soap, this method is probably the fastest so they can feel comfortable eating right away.

With the soapy water, fill the bowl with water and one tiny drop of mild dishwashing soap, dissolving thoroughly. Place the grapes in a bowl with a strainer (like a salad spinner), and go to work, rubbing all the grapes with each other as best as possible to ensure all dirt, pesticides, and other debris fall loose – be gentle when doing this. Immediately rinse them off by picking up the colander and discarding the soapy water. Fill the bowl again with clean water and repeat the rubbing process for a minute or two to rinse off all soap and debris. In this second rinse, you may add a bit of distilled vinegar. Discard the water again and repeat again with clean water one last time. The last step is to spin them in the salad spinner bowl to remove excess water so they’ll dry faster.

At this point the grapes are ready to eat or store in a glass container in the refrigerator, we store them after the wash because grapes don’t last long in my house, we eat them within 3 – 5 days.

Dry before storing: If washing grapes ahead of time, be sure to dry them completely before refrigeration to avoid excess moisture.

Storing Table Grapes

Proper storage is essential to extending the shelf life of fresh grapes. Grapes are highly perishable, so follow these tips to maximize their freshness:

Refrigeration: Store grapes in the refrigerator, preferably in the original perforated plastic bag or an open container. The cool temperature helps preserve their freshness for up to a week.
Avoid Moisture: Excess moisture can lead to mold growth, so keep the grapes dry. If they are pre-washed, store them with paper towels to absorb excess water.
Freezing Grapes: Grapes can be frozen for long-term storage. Simply wash, dry, and remove the stems before placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen grapes are great for smoothies or as a refreshing snack.

Image from Pexel by Zen Chung: Harvester picking grapes.

Cooking with Table Grapes

Although grapes are often eaten fresh, they can also be a versatile ingredient in cooking. Here are some ways to incorporate grapes into savory and sweet dishes from All Recipes (see their website for ideas) as in the recipes examples:

Snacks. Fresh grapes eaten raw on their own are a nutritious low-calorie snack. Creatively combining with other sauces could increase the caloric intake but they are still a delight to enjoy, full of flavor and nutrients.

caramel grapes (dessert)
frosted grapes (coated in gelatin mix)
snow grapes (dessert that can be done with vanilla yogurt)

Salads. Grapes versatility adds a burst of sweetness and crunch to green or grain-based salads. Pair them with nuts, cheese, and greens for a vibrant, balanced dish.

Broccoli salad with red grapes
Chicken salad with apples, grapes, and walnuts
Chicken pasta salad with grapes
Curry chicken salad with grapes
Coleslaw with grapes and spinach

Cooking: Roasting grapes brings out their natural sweetness, making them a great addition to savory dishes like roasted meats, poultry, or vegetables.

balsamic roasted grapes
roasted grape flatbread

Sauces and Compotes: Grapes can be cooked down into a sauce or compote, perfect for drizzling over desserts, meats, or cheeses. Concord grapes are particularly popular for making jams and jellies, preserving their sweet flavor for months to come.

Baking: Add grapes to baked goods like tarts, pies, or even bread for a fruity twist.

Byproducts of Grapes: Edible and Beneficial Uses

Grapes have several byproducts, many of which are edible and offer distinct health benefits:

Raisins: Grapes can be dried to produce raisins, which are packed with nutrients like fiber, iron, and antioxidants. Raisins are great in baked goods, cereals, or as snacks.
Grape Juice: Fresh grapes can be juiced to create refreshing beverages rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
Grape Seed Oil: Grape seeds are pressed to make grape seed oil, which is used in cooking and cosmetics. This oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E.
Grape Skins and Seeds: Both grape skins and seeds are often used in supplements due to their high content of antioxidants like resveratrol, which may help support heart health.

Nutritional Content of Table Grapes

Grapes are a powerhouse of nutrition, offering a variety of health benefits in each bite. They are low in calories but rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Vitamins: Grapes are a good source of vitamins C and K. Vitamin C boosts immunity, while vitamin K supports bone health and helps with blood clotting.

Antioxidants: Grapes contain powerful antioxidants, including resveratrol, flavonoids, and quercetin. These compounds may help reduce inflammation, support heart health, and protect against certain cancers.

Fiber: Grapes contain dietary fiber, which aids digestion and supports gut health.

Minerals: Grapes provide potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and copper, which supports energy production and connective tissue maintenance.

Low-Calorie: A cup of grapes contains about 60–110 calories, making them a healthy, low-calorie snack option.

A serving of 151 grams (equivalent to ~1 cup), 104 calories, 1.1 g protein, 27 g carbs (23g sugar and 1.4g dietary fiber), contains 4.53 mcg vitamin A, 4.8 mg vitamin C, 0.00 mcg vitamin D as well as 0.54 mg of iron, 15.10 mg of calcium, 288 mg of potassium. (Nutrition Value, n.d.)

21% Copper
18% Vitamin K
10% Carbohydrates
9% vitamin B1 (Thiamin)
8% vitamin B6, vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
6% potassium
5% vitamin C, Manganese, and dietary fiber
4% Tryptophan
3% Magnesium, Iron, and Histidine
2% Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), Choline, Phosphorus, Protein, Valine, Phenylalanine, and Threonine
1% Calcium, Vitamin A – RAE, Vitamin B9, (Folate – DFE), Zinc, Isoleucine, Lysine, Leucine, Methionine + Cysteine

Conclusion

Table grapes, with their rich history and global popularity, are a delicious and nutritious addition to any diet. By selecting the freshest table grapes, storing them properly, and incorporating them into various culinary creations, you can enjoy their sweet flavor and health benefits year-round.

Whether consumed fresh, dried, or as juice, grapes provide essential nutrients that support overall wellness, making them a fruit worth celebrating.

The sun, with all those planets revolving around it and dependent on it, can still ripen a bunch of grapes as if it had nothing else in the universe to do.

– Galileo Galilei

Sources:

Galileo Galilei’s quote thanks to BrainyQuote.com

Allrecipes. (n.d.). Grapes.

FoodPrint. (n.d.). Real Food Encyclopedia, Grapes. FoodPrint is a project of GRACE Communications Foundation.

Nutrition Value. (n.d.). Grapes, raw, red or green (European type, such as Thompson seedless).

Shi, J., Yu, J, Pohorly, J.E., and Kakuda, Y. (7 Jul 2024). Polyphenolics in Grape Seeds—Biochemistry and Functionality. Journal of Medicinal Food, 2003 6:4, 291-299.

Taylor Pittman, A. (14 Mar 2024). I Tried 7 Ways of Storing Grapes and the Winner Outlasted Them All (and Made a Huge Difference). The kitchn blog.

University of Missouri. (7 Aug 2013). Grapes: A brief history. Integrated Pest Management.

Wikipedia. (31 Aug 2024). Grape.

Zen Chung. Image from Pexel Harvester picking grapes.