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Princess grapes are medium to large in size and are round to cylindrical in shape, growing in loose, large clusters on trailing vines. The skin is smooth, shiny, somewhat thick, and light green. The flesh is a translucent pale green and is considered seedless, though there may be some underdeveloped seeds present that are undetectable. Princess grapes are juicy, crisp, and crunchy, and have a sweet-tart taste with hints of muscat flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Princess grapes are available late summer through fall.
Current Facts
Princess grapes, botanically classified as Vitis vinifera ‘Princess,’ are a hybrid variety from California and are a cross between crimson table grapes and an unnamed, white seedless variety from the United States Department of Agriculture. The large grape variety was developed as part of an effort to extend the market season for California table grapes. Princess grapes are often labeled and sold as California seedless grapes by large grocers and were originally released under the name Melissa, but the name was changed to Princess after a copyright issue.
Nutritional Value
Princess grapes are an excellent source of vitamin K and potassium, and also contain some calcium and vitamin C.
Applications
Princess grapes are best suited for raw consumption and can be eaten fresh, out-of-hand, added to fruit salads or cheese boards and dried for raisins. They can be frozen and used as ice cubes for white wine or sangria or pureed and used in cocktails, sorbets, and granitas. They can also be added to smoothie bowls, canapes, fruit skewers, and green salads, or chopped and used in relishes, compotes, or chutneys. Princess grapes pair well with chicken, fish, brie, and stronger smelling cheeses, like gorgonzola. They will keep up to one week when stored in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
California’s grape industry has been around since the mid-1800s and was developed when prospectors came to California searching for gold but found that grape cultivation could be even more lucrative. Today the industry’s focus is mainly on table and wine grapes. California is responsible for over 99% of the table grapes commercially grown in the United States, and 40% of those table grapes are exported to countries such as China, Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Princess grapes were created from a breeding program through the USDA/ARS Horticultural Crops Laboratory and were bred to help lengthen the table grape season.
Geography/History
Princess grapes were developed and first grown in the fertile San Joaquin Valley in California. They were released in 1999, after struggling with fruit set and other issues during growing trials. Princess grapes are primarily grown in California in the United States. Internationally, the USDA has made the grape variety available to licensed growers and can be found at specialty markets in Australia, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, and Spain.
Smit Farms
Linden, CA
Princess grapes were first grown in California's San Joaquin Valley and released in 1999 after overcoming challenges like fruit set during trials. While primarily cultivated in California, the USDA has licensed them internationally. They are now available in specialty markets in countries such as Australia, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, and Spain, expanding their global presence.
Smit Farms
Linden, CA
Princess grapes are medium to large in size and grow in loose, large clusters on trailing vines. Their smooth, shiny skin is somewhat thick and light green, while the translucent pale green flesh is considered seedless, though small, undetectable seeds may occur. These grapes are juicy, crisp, and crunchy, offering a sweet-tart taste with subtle muscat flavor notes.
Country Rhodes Farms
Princess grapes: Princess grapes offer versatility in consumption, from being eaten fresh to enhancing dishes like fruit salads, cheese boards, and chutneys. They can also be frozen to serve as decorative ice cubes in beverages or pureed for cocktails and desserts. Pair them with chicken, fish, or cheeses like brie and gorgonzola. Stored in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator, they remain fresh for up to one week.
Smit Farms
Linden, CA
Princess grapes are a hybrid variety originating from California, created by crossing crimson table grapes and an unnamed white seedless type. Known for extending the California table grape market season, they were initially called Melissa but renamed to Princess due to copyright issues. Sold as California seedless grapes, they pack vitamin K, potassium, and moderate amounts of calcium and vitamin C.
Murray family farms
Princess grapes originated in California's San Joaquin Valley and became commercially viable in 1999 after overcoming early growing challenges. While primarily grown in the U.S., the USDA expanded their reach internationally, granting availability to licensed growers. You can find Princess grapes in specialty markets across Australia, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, and Spain, showcasing their global appeal.
Murray Family Farms
Princess Grapes spotted at Virginia Park Farmer's Market…...Princess Grapes were bred through the USDA/ARS Horticultural Crops Laboratory to help extend the table grape season. They are part of California's grape industry, which produces over 99% of the table grapes in the U.S. and exports 40% of them to countries including China, Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, and the Philippines. California's grape cultivation dates back to the 1800s and replaced gold mining as a profitable venture.
Steve Murray
Bakersfield , 93307
(661) 330-0100
www.murrayfamilyfarms.com
Princess Grapes spotted at Santa Monica Farmers Market…...Princess Grapes have smooth, shiny, and somewhat thick light green skin, while their translucent pale green flesh is juicy, crisp, and crunchy. Though considered seedless, they may contain underdeveloped seeds that are undetectable. Their sweet-tart flavor is complemented by subtle muscat notes, making them a refreshing and flavorful fruit choice.
Princess Grapes spotted at City Shop…..Princess Grapes are a hybrid variety developed in California, combining crimson table grapes with an unnamed white seedless type by the USDA. Originally called Melissa, their name was changed to Princess due to copyright issues. They're marketed as California seedless grapes and are rich in vitamin K, potassium, with smaller amounts of calcium and vitamin C, making them a nutritious snack.
Princess Grapes were first developed in the San Joaquin Valley, California, and officially released in 1999 after overcoming growing challenges. While primarily cultivated in the United States, licensed growers produce them internationally in countries like Australia, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, and Spain, making them accessible in specialty markets worldwide.
Princess Grapes were developed through a specialized breeding program by the USDA/ARS Horticultural Crops Laboratory. This unique variety of table grape was specifically created to help extend the table grape season, showcasing innovation in agriculture. California produces over 99% of the United States' table grapes, with 40% exported to countries like China, Canada, and the Philippines, making it a global hub for this fruit.