GRAPE
THE ORIGINS OF GRAPE
In the Neolithic period, growers already knew about grapes, as evidenced by the presence of seeds in some prehistoric sites. It is very difficult to locate the cradle of the vine, but the Transcaucasus region is a most realistic hypothesis. There are indications that Mesopotamia and the Nile region, around 2500 BC, reveal a highly developed viticulture. The Greeks and Romans spread this culture throughout Europe. Roman farmers brought this crop to a point of perfection.
Seedless grapes (apyrenes) have been known since ancient times, they are mainly used to produce raisins (sultanas). It should be noted that a large part of the vines is devoted to table grapes and not to wine production.
THE VARIETIES OF GRAPES
We will only focus on the consumption grapes:
Hamburg Muscatel has blue-black grains with a slightly musky flavour. Some terroirs apply an AOC to their muscat grapes.
Chasselas has a more floral flavour and the grains are bitten. AOCs are also awarded to certain terroirs.
Alphonse Lavallée is distinguished by its coarse grains.
Still in the coarse grains, we find Italia which is juicy and crisp.
There are a large number of more or less marginal varieties.
HOW TO CHOOSE GRAPE
As with plums, grapes are sometimes covered with bloom. White, a little waxy, is natural. It is used by the fruit to protect itself from the rain and indicates the care of handling and the freshness of the bunch.
The stem called the stalk must be green and firm. As a table fruit, there is a beautiful cluster for two people.
HOW TO STORE AND COOK GRAPE
In the open air, the grapes get damaged very quickly. A hermetic box in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator will prevent the grapes from dehydrating. After washing, you can eat it as it is.
GRAPE’S HEALTH PROPERTIES
Flavonoids prevent the agglomeration of blood platelets and have a beneficial effect on blood circulation. The delicate intestines will choose a grape with fine skin. But grapes have a beneficial effect on elimination.
