Shien Grapes
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Shien grapes grow in medium to large, tapered, oval bunches and are comprised of tightly clustered, large grapes. Each grape has a distinct oblong shape, weighing 12 to 14 grams, and the ends are bluntly curved. The skin is thick, smooth, glossy, and taut, but the variety’s firm nature allows it to be easily peeled from the flesh. Shien grape skin is not typically consumed. The skin also showcases burgundy, wine-red, and red-purple hues and is covered in a white, powdery bloom, a sign of freshness. Underneath the surface, the pale red flesh is seedless, tender, and aqueous, with a soft, succulent consistency when chewed. The flesh is initially firm, but when opened, juice rushes into the mouth, making it feel like it is disintegrating. Shien grapes release a mellow, grape-like aroma when ripe, and bunches that have fresh, green stalks should be selected. Withered stalks may be a sign of old age. Shien grapes are consumed raw and are known for their high sugar content, reaching between 18 to 20 degrees. This gives the fruits a rich, sweet, and sugary flavor combined with a subtle sourness.
Seasons/Availability
Shien grapes are harvested in the Yamanashi Prefecture from late September through early October and in the Okayama Prefecture from late October through mid-December. In the Okayama Prefecture, the grapes may be sold in markets through the end of the year.
Current Facts
Shien grapes, botanically a part of the Vitis genus, is a Japanese variety belonging to the Vitaceae family. The winter grapes are a late-season variety selected as a commercial cultivar in the 20th century for its large size, sweet taste, and easy-to-peel nature. Shien grapes grow in bunches reaching 600 to 700 grams in weight, and the bunches are cultivated and hand-harvested according to strict requirements to ensure quality is maintained. The grapes are only grown in limited quantities throughout Japan and are a rare variety purchased for special occasion gift-giving. The name Shien is derived from the Shion flower belonging to the Asteraceae family. The color of the hanging grape bunches reminds consumers of the color of the Shion blooms, and in Kanji, “Shien” means “Purple garden.” In Japan, Shien grapes are a seasonal delicacy that often sells out before they are even harvested through pre-orders. The variety has extended storage properties and is treasured as a fresh-eating fruit.
Nutritional Value
Shien grapes are a source of vitamin C to strengthen the immune system, fiber to regulate the digestive tract, and potassium to balance fluid levels within the body. The grapes also provide manganese to develop connective tissues, vitamin A to maintain healthy organs, calcium to build strong bones and teeth, and other nutrients, including vitamin K and zinc. Grapes notably contain polyphenols, which are compounds in the flesh with antioxidant-like properties to protect overall health and well-being. They also contain anthocyanins, natural compounds with antioxidant-like properties that protect the cells against free radical damage.
Applications
Shien grapes have a sweet, subtly sour flavor suited for fresh and cooked preparations. The variety is typically eaten out of hand, and the skin is peeled and removed before consumption. It is recommended to slice a small, cross-like shape at the top of the grape to easily peel the skin in sections. The skin can also be removed by squeezing the grape, popping the flesh into the mouth, and discarding the skin. Shien grape bunches are said to have the sweetest grapes on the outer, upper portions of the bunch, and these spots are generally eaten last to savor the taste. In Japan, the variety is chilled before it is enjoyed to enhance the sweetness. Shien grapes can be soaked in ice water for around ten minutes or chilled in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Do not over-chill the fruits, as they will lose their signature sweet taste. Shien grapes can also be frozen and eaten as a refreshing dessert, said to have a texture reminiscent of sorbet, or they can be used as an edible topping over parfaits, pancakes, and waffles. It is important to note that Shien grapes are primarily eaten fresh as they are a rare variety. The grapes are not commonly used in other preparations, but occasionally, they can be tossed into salads, sliced and served on crostini, skewered and dipped in melted sugar, mixed into fruit salads, or used in butter. Shien grapes are also used as garnishes on cakes, tarts, and other desserts, and the flesh showcases an aesthetically pleasing color gradient, considered beautiful in Japan. Shien grapes pair well with vanilla, chocolate, fruits such as strawberries, melon, and pineapple, brown sugar, and nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts. Whole, unwashed Shien grape bunches should be immediately consumed for the best quality and flavor. The bunches can also be wrapped in newspaper or plastic wrap and stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer. If the grapes are separated from their bunches, leave a small portion of the stalk to extend its shelf life and place it in a sealed plastic bag or container in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Shien grapes are a favored variety given as an Oseibo gift in Japan. Oseibo is a traditional time at the end of the year when gifts are given as an expression of gratitude. Historically, Oseibo stemmed from customs adopted from China. According to the Chinese Taoist calendar, there were three main holidays: Kagen, Jōgen, and Chūgen. Kagen was recognized on October 15th and was said to be the birthday of a god who expelled evil spirits. Gifts were customarily given as offerings or gratitude to the god. In Japan, gift-giving was honored annually around New Year, and offerings were gifted to gods and ancestral spirits. It is thought the Japanese customs eventually combined with the Chinese Kagen rituals to create Oseibo sometime during the Muromachi period from 1336 to 1392 CE. Oseibo means “honorable year’s end” and is a gift-giving season from early December to New Year's. Gifts given during this time are an expression of gratitude for kindness shown throughout the year, and the presents are customarily given to various friends, family, employers, doctors, landlords, matchmakers, and teachers. Oseibo gifts are typically something that can be consumed or used, and some of the most popular items include cured meats such as bacon, sausage, or ham. Shien grapes are valued for their rarity and sweet taste and are regarded as a high-end gift.
Geography/History
Shien grapes are native to Japan and were developed in the Yamanashi prefecture in the late 20th century. The variety was created from a cross between Beni Sanshaku and Akamine grapes in 1983 at the Uehara Grape Research Institute in Yamanashi. After its release, Shien grapes were cultivated on a small scale as a specialty grape. The variety was introduced to the Okayama Prefecture in 2002 and was planted in greenhouses in grape-producing regions within the prefecture, including Okayama City and the Hata district in Soja City. Today, Shien grapes remain a rare variety and are only grown in limited quantities each year, mainly in the Okayama prefecture. The grapes are challenging to find in markets as they are mostly presold, but some bunches are offered directly through growers, online retailers, or high-end department stores. The Shien grapes featured in the photograph above were sourced through a market in Tokyo, Japan.
