Grapes are one of the oldest fruits to be cultivated, dating back to biblical times. They’re still an extremely popular fruit today. In fact, the average person eats eight pounds of grapes per year, according to the University of Arizona. The reason is simple: grapes are the perfect snack. They’re juicy, sweet, and have a satisfying crunch. Here are ten types of grapes you can try today. You just might discover a new favorite variety.
Grape Cultivation
There are 10,000 different varieties of grapes grown across the world. Only a couple dozen have achieved widespread popularity and acclaim. Some are renowned for their wine-making abilities. Others are just delicious to eat. Ranging from tart to gloriously sweet, grapes come in a wide array of flavors, shapes, sizes, and colors.
Grapes have been cultivated for their resistance to pests and disease, in addition to their flavor profiles. They’re typically categorized into three major groups: table, juice, and wine. Table grapes, like Thompson Seedless grapes, have thin skins and a nice crisp bite. Juice grapes, such as Concord grapes, have a thicker skin that peels very easily. They typically contain more juice than table grapes. Wine grapes, including Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Merlot, are best for making wine as the name implies. They are extremely sweet, have thick skin, and contain a lot of seeds.
We’re a huge fan of grapes. In fact, nearly all of our arrangements include grapes. That’s because we feel like they’re one of nature’s perfect fruits. For instance, check out our Delicious Daisy®. It’s packed with strawberries, melon, pineapple daisies, and, of course, plenty of grapes.
Top 10 Types of Grapes
There’s no shortage of grape varieties, but there are a few that are more popular than others. Consider stepping outside of your comfort zone with these top ten types of grapes for eating:
1. Concord
Hailing from the town of Concord, Massachusetts, Concord grapes have a deep bluish-purple hue and a rich, full-bodied flavor. They’re also the type of grapes most commonly used to make grape juice and jelly.
2. Moon Drop
Moon drop grapes have dark blue-hued skin and an oblong, tubular shape that looks sort of like a mini eggplant. They have a surprisingly crisp bite and a naturally sweet, juicy flavor.
3. Cotton Candy
Cotton candy grapes look very similar to your regular green table grapes. However, one bite and you’ll realize they are no ordinary grape. Instead, the flavor is oddly similar to the confectionary cotton candy.
4. Crimson
Crimson grapes are seedless grapes with a dark pink to light red skin and green flesh. They have a sweet taste and a crisp texture that makes them a popular snacking grape. They’re the most common type of “red” grape you’ll find at the grocery store.
5. Muscat
Muscat grapes have thin, pinkish-yellow skin. They’re very juicy and have a delicate taste and a light, floral flavor that’s slightly reminiscent of wine and a little something else that’s undefinable.
Thompson Seedless grapes are the most common type of green table grape sold at grocery stores. In fact, it’s the most popular type of grape in the United States. They have a crisp texture and a sweet and slightly sour taste.
The Black Monukka is a black table grape that’s completely seedless. It features tender skin with an excellent crisp, sweet flavor. This type of grape is a popular choice to make raisins due to its sugary taste and juicy flavor when dried.
8. Autumn Royal
Autumn Royal grapes have deep purple-black skin and bright yellow-green flesh. They have a rich, sweet taste and firm, crunchy texture. They’re also one of the largest seedless grapes, making them great for snacking.
9. Red Globe
Red Globe grapes are large, seeded grapes with a rosy, red color and firm, crisp flesh. Though you need to take the time to remove all of the seeds before you bite in to taste, it’s worth it due to their size and sweet flavor.
10. Dominga
Dominga grapes are sweet and flavorful with yellowish skin. Though they’re seeded, they have relatively few seeds compared to most seeded grapes, making them easier to eat and a great snacking choice.
Grapes come in an abundance of colors, textures, flavors, and sizes. Try a few of the grapes on this list and you might just find a new favorite. Check out our Fresh Fruits Box that provides perfectly ripe fruit right to your doorstep, including fresh, juicy grapes, strawberries, bananas, and so much more.
More Questions About Grapes
In addition to the common types of grapes, some people have other questions about this tasty fruit. For more info, some FAQs about grapes.
What are the 3 categories of grapes?
There are hundreds of grape varieties grown around the world, but they generally fall into one of three main categories: table grapes, wine grapes, and juice grapes. As their names suggest, wine grapes are best for wine-making, juice grapes are ideal for making jams, juices, and jellies, and table grapes are the grapes everyone loves to snack on.
Which grapes are best to eat?
Table grapes are generally the best grapes to eat fresh, and this group has thousands of different varieties. Concord, Moon Drop, Cotton Candy, Crimson, Muscat, Thompson Seedless Grapes, Black Monukka, Autumn Royal, Red Globe, and Dominga are the most common grape varieties eaten.
Are grapes good for you?
Yes! Grapes are high in antioxidants and other essential nutrients, such as vitamins C, K, B1, B2, B6, and E. They’re also a good source of potassium, manganese, and copper. Grapes may help to improve heart health, reduce cholesterol, promote healthy skin and hair, and boost your immune system, among other potential health benefits. That said, grapes should be a part of an overall healthy balanced diet with a variety of whole foods.
How many different types of grapes are there?
There are more than 10,000 grape varieties grown around the world. Grapes are grown all around the world, but some types of grapes require the right environment to grow. That means some types of grapes are only grown in areas where the soil and climate conditions are just right. Thirty-three types of grapes are grown in half of the world’s vineyards, making them far more common than thousands of other grape varieties.
