Grape Facts
A Short List of Grape Facts
• Grapes have a crunchy-type texture, and tart, dry and sweet flavor. This has made the grape, facts prove, a popular snack, and a welcome addition to salads, both vegetable and fruit. The American varieties of the grape are generally only available in September and October, but the European varieties can usually be found year-round.
• Grapes are fairly small oval or round berries that have a very smooth skin. Some varieties are seedless, while others have edible seeds in them. Similar to blueberries, grapes are usually covered over with a white bloom that protects the fruit.
• Grapes that are eaten off the vine or used in cooking are usually called table grapes. A wine grape, facts say, is one used to make wine, and raisin grapes are used in the process of making dried fruit.
• Grapes contain over 30% of your recommended daily allowance of manganese. They are also a source of Vitamins C and B1, potassium and Vitamin B6. One cup of grapes has only sixty-one calories.
• Grapes contain flavonoids, which are nutrients that give the fruit its color. These flavonoids can help reduce your risk of heart disease, by reducing the clumping together of platelets, and the development of blood clots.
• Grapes also encourage your body to produce resveratrol, which helps to keep the muscle of the heart healthy and flexible. Wine has also been determined, grape facts confirm, to have a positive affect on hypertension, when you drink it in moderation.
• The skin and seeds of the red grape, facts have proven, contain compounds that reduce the size of cancerous tumors in the breasts that are dependent on estrogen. In addition, red wine lowers your risk of colo-rectal cancer, if you drink at least three glasses a week.
• To select grapes that are at their peak of flavor, choose those that do not have wrinkles, and are plump. To determine sweetness, check the color. Green grapes should show some yellowish coloring, red grapes should not have any other colors on their skin, and grape facts say that purple grapes should have a rich and deep color. Grapes that are fully ripened have the most antioxidants.
• If you drink grape juice for your health, stay away from products that are labeled “grape drinks”. These often don't have very much real grape juice in them.
• Some interesting serving suggestions for grapes: Add grapes to your mixed green salads.
• Serve spiced and stewed grapes with chicken breast, to add taste and keep it healthy.
• Add grapes to any kind of fruit salad to liven it up. Choose different varieties for more eye appeal.
• Serve grapes with cheese, for a light and healthy snack.
• Grapes are healthy, and easy to pack in a lunch box or bag for a work or school snack.