Description: Grapes are small round or oval berries that feature semi-translucent flesh encased by a smooth skin. Some contain edible seeds while others are seedless. Grapes come in greens and purples.

 

Availability: Fresh – Summer and Fall/ Winter grapes primarily come from Chile and Mexico

 

Facts: Grapes are an edible fruit in the buckthorn family. The European grape has been used as food since prehistoric times. Grape seeds have been found in remains of lake dwellings of the Bronze Age in Switzerland and Italy and in tombs of ancient Egypt. Grape varieties are determined by their final use. Table grapes must be low in both acidity and sugar content and must conform to definite standards of size, color, and shape. Raisin grapes are preferably seedless, with high sugar content and low acidity. Grapes used to make table wine must have relatively high acidity and moderate sugar content; those used for dessert wines and other sweet wines must have high sugar content and moderate acidity.

 

Serving Size = 1/2 CUP

Selection: Choose plump, firm fruits that are firmly attached to the stem.

 

Storage: Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

 

Nutrition Benefits: Fat free; saturated fat free; very low sodium; cholesterol free

 

Pigments: anthocyanins

 

Phytochemicals: chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, cinnamic acid, catechin, epicatechin, gallic acid, geraniol, p-coumaric acid, kaempferol, myricetin, quercetin, resveratrol, condensed tannins, tartaric acid

 

ORAC Score: 1,470 (for concord grape juice)