Grape Facts and
Nutrition Information
The grape is one of the oldest fruits to be
cultivated going back as far as biblical times.
Spanish explorers introduced the fruit to America
approximately 300 years ago. Some of the most
popular ways in which the fruit is used, is eaten
fresh, in preserves or canned in jellies, dried
into raisins, and crushed for juice or wine.
Although, machines have taken the place of much
handwork, table grapes are still harvested by hand
in many places. (Wellness Encyclopedia of Food and
Nutrition, 1992).
Grapes are about 80 percent water, making them a
delectable low-calorie snack or dessert; a cup of
Concord or Catawba grapes contains only about 60
calories Grapes also add fiber to the diet and are
naturally low in sodium. Raisins, or dried grapes,
contain only about 15 percent water. For this
reason, nutrients and calories are more
concentrated in raisins-one cup contains 464
calories! Like other dried fruit, raisins are a
good source of iron. Serving Size 1-1/2 cups
(138g/14.9oz)
| |
|
|
|
Grapes |
|
Serving Size 1½
cups grapes (138g)
|
Amounts Per
Serving |
% Daily Value |
|
Calories 90 |
|
|
Calories from
Fat 10 |
|
|
Total Fat 1g |
2% |
|
Sodium 0mg |
0% |
|
|
|
|
Potassium 270mg |
8% |
|
Total
Carbohydrate 24g |
8% |
|
Dietary Fiber
1g |
2% |
|
Sugars 23g |
|
|
Protein 1g |
|
|
Vitamin A |
2% |
|
Vitamin C |
25% |
|
Calcium |
2% |
|
Iron |
2% |
* Percent Daily
Values are based on a 2,000
calorie diet. |
|
|
|
| |
|
Varieties
Grapes come in more than 50 varieties in black,
blue, blue-black, golden, red, green, purple, and
white colors with a juicy pulp inside. The two
main types of grapes are the American and
European. They both come in seeded and seedless
varieties. Common varieties include Thompson,
Flame, Ruby, Perlette and Tokay grapes. Most U.S.
grapes are grown in California.
Selecting Grapes
Look for firm, plump, well-colored clusters of
grapes that are securely attached to their green
stems. Fully ripe grapes are soft and tender.
Grapes showing signs of decay, shriveling,
stickiness, brown spots or dry brittle stems
should be avoided. Blue Concord grapes are
excellent for table use and for making juice and
jelly. The large, purplish-red catawba variety is
used primarily for making juice and wine, but can
also be served fresh for eating.
Using and Preserving Grapes
Fresh Facts
-
Fresh grapes maintain good quality for two to three days in the
refrigerator. Store in a covered container or
plastic bag.
-
Just before use, wash grape clusters under a gentle spray of water,
drain and pat dry.
-
Table grapes are at their best served slightly chilled to enhance
their crisp texture and refreshing flavor.
-
Seedless grapes are used whole. For seeded grapes, remove seeds by
cutting grapes into halves lengthwise and
scooping out seeds with the point of a knife.
-
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.
-
When preparing small clusters of grapes for garnishing, cut the
clusters with scissors. This helps keep the
grapes attached to the stem.
-
For longer storage, grapes can be canned, frozen or made into juice
or sweet spreads to enhance meals throughout the
year. Grapes can be dried as raisins for use as
a snack or in baking.
Canned Facts
-
Seedless grapes can be canned whole for use in fruit salads and
molded gelatin desserts. If seeded varieties are
used, halve and remove seeds before canning.
-
Grape juice can be canned both sweetened and
unsweetened. If juicewill be made into jelly later, it's best to can it without
sugar-then add the proper amount of sugar at
jelly making time.
-
To prevent mold growth, seal grape jelly with two-piece canning lids
and process for five minutes in a simmering
water bath.
Freezer Facts
-
Frozen grape juice is of excellent quality—serve it alone or mixed
with other juices. Freeze a few grape
"popsicles" for an icy summer treat.
-
Freeze grape puree for use in making grape pie and to flavor
yogurt.
-
Tray freeze seedless grapes and store them in freezer containers.
When summer temperatures sizzle, chill summer
drinks with "grape" ice cubes.
-
For an easy, refreshing summer dessert, serve tray frozen grapes in
a chilled glass bowl.
Dried Facts
-
The quality of dried grapes, or raisins, is excellent.
-
For best results, use seedless grapes. If seeded varieties are used,
remove seeds as described under Fresh Facts
before drying.
In areas of high humidity, sun drying is not
recommended. For best results, dry grapes in a
dehydrator or oven.
Click Here to
return to the grape library page.
