Local Table Grapes: Don't Fear Grape Seeds

by Jack & Joanne

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.

Comments

[Rhaya]

When my husband and I moved into our home that was built in the 70s, one of our favorite things about it was the grapes growing on the arbor out back (thanks to Roma, the previous owner of 30 years). Although we have to worry about our dog eating any that fall, it is always a joy to see them arrive in the late summer.

And I am so glad to hear that someone else eats them the same way as I do!

Rhaya

http://www.green-lemonade.com

[Rebecca]

We got Scuppernongs at the Blacksburg, Virginia farmers' market yesterday. A southern classic. We ate them all the way home, spitting the seeds out the window.

[Emily]

I swallow the seeds...there are all these studies out there about grape seed extract preventing cancer!

I love the smell of grapes ripening on an Autumn evening...

[Jack]

Emily - You're not the only one - I've had several people tell me they simply chew and swallow the seeds.

Yesterday, I picked a different four, now ripe: Italia (yellow muscat), Muscat Hamburg (purple), and two seedless: Maroo (purple) and Fantasy (blue, oblong shape). I particularly love the Muscat Hamburg. I also learned that Ana grows more than 20 varieties heirloom grapes, in addition to assorted other fruits, like asian pears.