Grapes are eaten all over the world. They are one of the oldest cultivated crops by mankind. They are delicious, healthy, full of antioxidants, nutrients, and more over easily available for consumption. But today we are not discussing the wonderful benefits of grapes, instead we are going to discover the different types of grapes.
There are around 10,000 different types of grapes grown across the world. But only a few types have achieved widespread popularity and acclaim. Some are renowned for their wine-making abilities. The different types of grapes are generally divided into three main categories :
- Table grapes (eaten directly),
- Wine grapes (for wine production) , and
- Juice grapes (for making raisins, jams, jellies, juices, etc).
So, let’s begin exploring the different types of grapes :
1. Concord:
Are table grapes which are deep bluish purple in color. They have high total antioxidant capacity (TAC) as compared to red or green grapes. They are commonly used for making juices, jellies, jams and baked items.
2. Cotton Candy:
Cotton candy grapes were first produced in 2011 in California is a type of white table grape. They have high sugar content and taste like cotton candy.
3. Muscat:
The Muscat family of grapes includes around 200 varieties of grapes which are used for wine production, making raisins and many are eaten as table grapes around the globe. Their color ranges from white (muscat ottonel), yellow (muscat gillao), pink (moscato rosa del trentino) to black (muscat hamburg). The most famous variety is Muscat Blanc a Petitis Granis, which is mainly used for Italian sparkling white wine. The Muscat of Alexandria is used in making French vin doux naturel.
4. Crimson:
Crimson grapes are seedless, with a lovely dark pink to light red skin and green flesh. Their sweet taste and crisp texture make them a popular snacking grape. This variety was introduced in 1989 after being created by plant breeders in California. Like other red grapes, Crimson grapes are packed with anthocyanins, which give these fruits their beautiful color and also contribute to their health benefits.
5. Thompson Seedless:
As the name implies, Thompson Seedless grapes are a seedless variety. They are white table grapes grown in California. These green grapes were named after William Thompson, the first person to popularize this variety in America. Later it was discovered that Thompson Seedless grapes were an ancient grape variety that originated in Persia called Sultanina. Thompson Seedless grapes are known by several other names around the world including Sultana and Oval Kishmish. It is one of the main grapes used to create other seedless varieties.
6. Autumn Royal:
Autumn Royal are large grapes that have deep purple-black skin and bright yellow-green flesh. They are seedless and have a rich, sweet taste with a firm, and crunchy texture, which makes them a popular table grape. They’re among the largest seedless grape varieties available.
7. Centennial:
Centennial grapes are a large white table grape variety. They’re eaten as such a fresh snack and commonly used to make large raisins which are perfect for snacking and baking. The Centennial grape was created in 1966. These grapes are seedless and have a thin yellowish skin that covers firm, sweet flesh.
8. Red Globe:
Red globe grapes are large seeded grapes which are very popular in Asian countries. They are rosy red in color and have a firm and crunchy slight sweet flesh. Rich in plant nutrients, these grapes are perfect for snacking.
9. Dominga:
Dominga is a white table grape, yellowish in color. It has a very pleasing sweet flavor. They are rich in polyphenol antioxidants due to which they are very commonly used as table grapes around us for providing rich health benefits.
10. Moon Drops:
Moon Drop grapes are also known as sweet sapphire and they have a unique long cylindrical shape. They are black grapes, seedless, sweet and firm in texture.
11. Tempranillo:
Tempranillo grapes originated in Spain and are primarily used to make red wine. These dark, blackish grapes create full-bodied, flavorful wines often described as having a complex, smooth flavor with notes of cherry, strawberry, or black currant. Tempranillo grapes are often blended with other grape varieties, such as Syrah, Grenache, or Cabernet Sauvignon, to create delicious wines. Tempranillo wines are often said to pair best with savory foods, such as lamb, pork, or spicy dishes.
12. Glenora:
Glenora is a seedless table grape created in 1952 by crossing Ontario and Russian Seedless grapes. They are prolific and grow in uniform clusters. They are medium-sized with a deep bluish black color. Their flavor profile is described as sweet with slightly spicy undertones. Glenora grapes are disease resistant and easy to grow, making them a popular variety with home gardeners and farmers alike.
13. Marquis:
Marquis is a white seedless variety that produces large, round fruits. They’re very juicy and have soft, green skin. Marquis grapes are commonly enjoyed as a table grape and can be used to make delicious jams and baked goods. This cold-hardy variety is tolerant of many soil conditions and has large, fragrant flowers that attract beneficial pollinators like honey bees, making it a popular breed with home gardeners.
14. Koshu:
Koshu is a grape native to Japan, enjoyed as a table grape and also used to make wine. They are tart with pale purple skin. Koshu grapes are primarily grown in an area of Japan known as the Koshu Valley, which has the highest concentration of wineries in the country. They’re used to produce white wines that offer fruity, delicate, and refreshing flavors.
15. Khoyo:
Similar to Concord grapes, Kyoho have a deep blackish-purple color. They were created by crossing Centennial grapes with the Ishihara Waze variety. They have thick skin with juicy sweet flesh. Kyoho are very large, and a single grape can weigh as much as 0.5 ounces. Kyoho grapes are packed with beneficial plant compounds, including anthocyanins. The Kyoho grape has 23 types of anthocyanins in its skin alone.
Also Read:
Grapes come in an abundance of colors, textures, flavors, and sizes. Depending on the variety, grapes can be used for snacking or made into delicious jams, juices, and wines. From intensely sweet taste to tart, refreshing flavor, there are many grape varieties to choose from all of which are packed with health promoting nutrients.