red, green and purple grapes

Seasonality:

  • Depending on the variety, grapes are in season April through December.

Health Benefits of Grapes:

  • Grape of excellent source of Vitamin C, potassium and Vitamin K.
  • The polyphenols found in grapes have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.
  • Here’s 10 reasons to eat more grapes!

How to Select Grapes:

  • Check the color: Green grapes are best when they’re a yellow-green color, red grapes are best when predominantly red, and black grapes are best when they have a rich, full color.
  • Grapes should be firm, plump and firmly attached to the stems. Avoid grapes that are wet, moldy or shriveled at the stem.
  • If you see a powdery-white coating on your grapes, don’t worry! It’s bloom, a naturally-occurring substance that helps protect the grapes from moisture loss.

How to Store Grapes:

  • Before storing, check grapes for any signs of mold, shriveling or poor stem attachment. Any grapes with these signs will deteriorate quicker and affect those grapes around them.
  • Store grapes unwashed in original package. Grapes are best kept near the back of the refrigerator where it’s coldest.
  • Make sure to keep them away from strong foods, such as garlic or onions, as grapes can absorb odors from food around them.

How to Prepare Grapes:

  • Rinse before eating.
  • To freeze grapes, rinse and pat dry. Lay single layer on baking sheet and freeze up to 2 hours. Transfer to freezer-safe Ziplock bag. Watch this video to see how easy it is!

Fun Facts About Grapes:

  • There are over 8,000 grape varieties worldwide.
  • The USA imports 25% of their grapes from Chile.
  • Grapes are botanically classed as berries.

Learn more at CA Table Grape Commission

Get additional resources in our Nutrition Education Center