It's September and in wine country California that means it's harvest time for grapes. While our first thought is wine, eating table grapes are also lush, ripe and ready to devour. But here is our plea: Instead of eating bland Thompson Seedless grapes from who knows where, eat organic heirloom seeded grapes and support diversity.
We are so lucky to have Ana Stayton at Golden Nectar Farm, located in Healdsburg, CA. Each year at the Sebastopol Farmers' Market, she has a small but outrageously wonderful selection of table grapes. Some of the most delicious heirloom grapes you'll ever taste, like Bronx (the best!), Himrod, Interlaken (one of our favorites), Golden Muscat and Early Muscat.
One of the most exciting varieties we've had is Niabell. Thanks to a smart friend we learned the proper way to eat them too - if you eat them whole the skin is very bitter. The trick is to suck the insides out of the whole grape (discarding the skin) and then spit the seeds out after enjoying the wonderful flavor.
Also: We've noticed that Whole Foods in Santa Rosa is carrying Bronx Grapes from Lagier Ranch and the label says they are seedless (but they are not). Don't let the seeds dissuade you - Bronx grapes are divine! So Don't Fear The Seeds!
Jack & Joanne live in Sonoma County – not just wine country, but food country! They create/write the website Fork & Bottle which focuses on artisan food, wine and cheese but also offers information on sustainable gardening, what to feed kids, local foods, etc., etc.
