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Blueberry grapes are small to medium in size and round to oval in shape. The smooth skin ranges in color from deep purple, navy blue, to almost black. The flesh is translucent green and firm. Blueberry grapes grow in tight and dense clusters, and each berry has a thicker skin than most grapes found in the commercial markets. Blueberry grapes boast a bright, slightly tart, mild blueberry flavor and are very juicy. The combination of the thicker skin and crisp, juicy flesh, creates a burst of flavor when bitten. Blueberry grapes grow on vigorous vines that have tendrils forming at every node, and they are also known for their color-changing ornamental leaves, which transform from green to red, yellow, and orange in the winter.
Seasons/Availability
Blueberry grapes are available in the summer to early fall.
Current Facts
Blueberry grapes, botanically classified as Vitis labrusca, grow on prolific vines and are members of the Vitaceae, or fox grape family, which also includes the popular Concord grape variety. Blueberry grapes are a fairly new variety to the market and are mostly cultivated in home gardens or specialty farms. The vines are excellent growers and can sometimes be considered slightly invasive because of their ability to expand and take over. A unique species characteristic that the Blueberry grape has is a “slip-skin,” which allows the skin of the grape to easily slip off when squeezed and the pulp stays intact instead of being crushed.
Nutritional Value
Blueberry grapes contain notable amounts of antioxidants, calcium, iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A due to their dark-colored hue.
Applications
Blueberry grapes are best suited for eating fresh, straight off the vine, and their unique flavor is strongest when raw. They can also be cooked and reduced to make jams or jellies, pressed to make wine or juice, or dried and made into raisins. Blueberry grapes can also be frozen and blended into smoothies. Blueberry grapes pair well with fresh, creamy, mild cheeses and higher fat nuts, such as macadamia or hazelnuts. They will keep up to one week when stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Grapes that belong to Vitis labrusca, such as the Blueberry grape, are often described with the descriptor “foxy.” This term was thought to have developed during the 17th century and is an American term used to define the unique, musky, and earthy taste in the grapes. Scientists in the 1920s later discovered that the grapes carried a compound called methyl anthranilate and this compound is what gives the grapes their muskiness.
Geography/History
Blueberry grapes are believed to be native to California and were introduced to the market in 2009-2010. The grapes were rumored to have started from a seedling in farmer Paul McLane’s grandmothers garden in Chico, California. He then gave the seedling to the L.E. Cooke Co in Visalia, California and the name Blueberry grape was created. Today Blueberry grapes are found predominately in the United States in hot, warm, dry climates like inland California and Arizona and also in coastal areas in the Pacific Northwest and Southeastern seaboard.
Blueberry grapes are distinct for their firm, translucent green flesh and thick skins, which are denser than most commercial grape varieties. Their exterior ranges from deep purple to nearly black, and they grow in tightly packed clusters. When bitten into, these grapes deliver a juicy burst of mildly tart, bright blueberry flavor. Their ornamental vines also showcase stunning seasonal leaf transitions, turning from green to vibrant red, yellow, and orange in winter.
Laurie Nichols
1358
Deer Canyon Rd Arroyo Grande CA 93420
+18058013370 [email protected]
Blueberry grapes are named for their resemblance to both blueberries and grapes, with a rich, blueberry-like flavor that sets them apart. They are highly versatile and can be enjoyed fresh, cooked into jams or jellies, blended into smoothies, or even dried into raisins. These grapes also pair wonderfully with creamy cheeses and high-fat nuts like macadamia or hazelnuts, enhancing their unique flavor. They can be stored for up to a week in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Laurie Nichols
1358
Deer Canyon Rd Arroyo Grande CA 93420
+18058013370 [email protected]
Blueberry grapes exhibit a “slip-skin” characteristic, meaning their skin effortlessly detaches when squeezed, leaving the pulp intact without crushing it. They belong to Vitis labrusca in the Vitaceae family, sharing ties with Concord grapes. Despite being relatively new to the market, they grow vigorously and can become invasive. Packed with antioxidants, calcium, iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A, their dark hue contributes to their nutritional benefits.
Laurie Nichols
Blueberry Grapes spotted at Santa Monica Farmers Market. Two peas in a pod..........Blueberry grapes originated in California and began appearing in markets between 2009 and 2010. Their lineage traces back to a seedling found in farmer Paul McLane's grandmother's garden in Chico, California. Afterward, the seedling was provided to L.E. Cooke Co. in Visalia, where the unique name "Blueberry grape" was coined. These grapes thrive in hot, dry climates such as inland California and Arizona, as well as coastal regions like the Pacific Northwest and Southeastern U.S.
Laurie Nichols
Blueberry Grapes spotted at Santa Monica Farmers Market. Two peas in a pod…..Blueberry grapes, part of the Vitis labrusca species, have a musky, earthy taste often called "foxy." This term originated in the 17th century in America, describing their unique flavor profile. In the 1920s, scientists identified methyl anthranilate as the compound responsible for this distinct muskiness, making these grapes stand out among other fruit varieties.
Specialty Produce
1929
Hancock St, San Diego 92110
(619) 295-3172
Blueberry Grapes spotted at Specialty Produce…...Blueberry grapes grow in tight, dense clusters, with smooth skin that varies from deep purple to almost black. Their translucent green flesh is firm and juicy, offering a mildly tart blueberry flavor that bursts with each bite. These grapes develop on vigorous vines featuring ornamental leaves that change colors from green to red, yellow, and orange during the winter, adding aesthetic value to their cultivation.
Specialty Produce
www.specialtyproduce.com
Blueberry Grapes spotted at Santa Monica Farmers Market…..Blueberry Grapes can be enjoyed fresh for their best flavor, but their versatility shines in various culinary uses. These grapes can be cooked to create jams or jellies, pressed into wine or juice, or dried into raisins. They pair beautifully with creamy cheeses like brie and rich nuts like macadamias or hazelnuts. For storage, keep them in a sealed container in the refrigerator, where they'll remain fresh for up to one week.
