Savoring the Sweetness of Grapes

A new star rises at the grapes take the stage to show off their crimson sweetness. These compact bundles of fruit are arriving late to the market due to cool summer conditions, but now that they are here, vendors are offering a variety of grapes to choose from. 

Scott Farms in Dinuba, CA is showcasing a beautiful bounty of grapes grown on 6 acres just 45 minutes south of Fresno. Red Flame is the most popular, but Scott Farms offers this seedless variety along with others like the deep purple Black Marroo and the richly colored Sweet Scarlet.  Sweet Scarlet is not just a table grape, it can also be used to make wine. Grab any of these varieties for $2 a pound.       

Gama Farms has 20 acres of land dedicated to growing grapes. It also currently has Red Flame seedless, with the promise of Crimson seedless coming next.  Later in the season, Autumn Royal – a concord-type grape – will be making a cameo appearance. The vendor told me Autumn Royals are his favorite because of their crispness.  Gama Farms expect to have grapes until November or December if all goes according to plan. Gama sells its Red Flame grapes for $2 a pound.

If you’re looking for organic grapes, Summer Harvest Farms has certified organic Red Flame seedless grapes for $3.25 lb. The farm grows grapes on 1 acre in addition to the rest of the farm that is dedicated to growing gorgeous peaches and other stone fruits. Later in the season the farm expects to have Ruby seedless, a red table grape, and Thompson, a traditional green variety.   

There are so many ways for kids and adults to enjoy grapes this summer.  Toss them into a fruit salad and watch your party guests try to spear them with a fork.  Hours of entertainment!  Or eat as the Romans did – they dropped grapes into their mouths while reclining under a shady canopy. 

A summer snack favorite for kids (especially after an active day of play) is frozen grapes. They’re easy to make and are amazingly refreshing. Check out this link for step by step instructions.   

Make a popular appetizer for a dinner party or quick lunch with a grape quesadilla.  Slice grapes in half and layer a flour tortilla with brie cheese, grapes and any spices you care for.  A quick online search shows home cooks adding tarragon, nutmeg or cinnamon to their brie quesadillas. Cook the assembled quesadilla in a buttered skillet to brown on each side. Slice and enjoy.   

If you really want to get creative, try making any one of these unusual recipes from Honey Flow Farm.  From grape pie to sauces for chicken, they’ve got “grape” ideas that will blow your socks off.

To get you in the mood, watch Dusty Springfield sing “Peel Me a Grape”.  She’ll make you want to eat a succulent bunch right away.  However you choose to enjoy grapes this summer, just make sure you savor the sweetness before they’re gone.

Christy Wilhelmi is well known to many local Mar Vistans as The Gardenerd. Her website and blog at  www.gardenerd.com offers  information on classes, consulting and food-garden design.

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