Winter Ingredient Essentials: Grapes

Grapes are a delicious treat you can enjoy anytime. Beloved for their sweet, fresh, and tart flavor, they make the perfect snack. These berries (yes, they’re berries!) arrived in America almost 300 years ago. With over 6,000 varieties ranging in color from black, purple and red to green and pink, grapes are as beautiful as they are good for you.

Grapes are rich in Vitamin K, which promotes strong bones, and Vitamin C, known for its immune boosting effect on the body. Along with a variety of B vitamins, helping keep your hair and skin healthy, as well as clocking in under 100 calories per cup, it’s obvious why grapes are an essential part of any healthy kitchen.

How do I pick the best grapes?

To choose the best tasting grapes, and those with the highest antioxidant content, look for firm and plump berries. The berries should be free of any wrinkles, soft spots or nicks, and should be firmly attached to the stem. Speaking of the stem, it should appear fresh not withered and dry. The berries should be richly hued, whether they be red, green, or black. Remember, red grapes are the sweetest, followed by green grapes and blue or black grapes, which have a milder taste. Though color and sweetness is not an indicator of ripeness, these tips can help you choose a type of grape for a certain recipe or taste preference.

What can I make with grapes?

Grapes are a wonderful snack all on their own fresh or frozen. They are also a wonderful pairing for cheese and crackers, as well as halved in a citrus salad and cooked down with shallots for an elegant sauce. Pan roasted grapes with port make a luscious sauce for steak, or use grapes to make a chutney or jam, or sprinkle them on your morning oats or yogurt for an extra burst of sweetness. From entrees to dessert, grapes can liven any dish.

To prep, simply run grapes under cold running water then allow to drain in a colander or pat dry. If you are not prepping the entire bunch, use scissors to cut the stems and remove the portions you will be eating. Return the portion of unwashed grapes to the refrigerator to maintain their freshness until your next grape starring recipe or grape craving strikes.

To keep grapes fresh, wrap unwashed grapes in paper towel then transfer to an airtight container for up to 5 days. Additionally, grapes can be frozen for up to 5 months. To do so, detach grapes from stem, wash and pat dry then freeze in one layer on a cookie sheet. Once frozen, transfer grapes to a ziplock bag and return to freezer until ready to enjoy!

Recipes to try include: Bougainvillea and Champagne Grape Salad, Jalapeño Grape Jelly, and Smoked Grape, Bacon and Arugula Salad.