Thomcord Grapes
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Thomcord grapes are a medium-sized variety with a round to oval shape, averaging about twenty millimeters in diameter. Their smooth, semi-thick skin ranges from deep blue to purple-black, with a white film covering the berries to protect them from moisture loss. The skin clings fairly tight to their translucent flesh. The flesh is juicy and mostly seedless, but there may be 1 to 2 small, undeveloped seeds that are undetectable when consumed. Thomcord grapes are firm and chewy with a high sugar content and slight astringency. They offer a deep, rich, and sweet flavor with an intensely grape jelly-like taste. They also possess hints of plum and red wine.
Seasons/Availability
Thomcord grapes are available from late summer to mid-fall.
Current Facts
Thomcord grapes are a hybrid breed belonging to the Vitaceae family and botanically classified as Vitis labrusca x Vitis vinifera, meaning that they are a cross between Thompson and Concord grapes. The Thompson is seedless and has a strong scent, traits that Thomcord grapes inherit from them. Concord grapes are a popular variety used in juices and jams. They have a sweet, balanced flavor and dark blue hue that passes on to the Thomcord variety. The term seedless in grapes actually refers to the presence of rudimentary seeds that, due to selective breeding, are so small and unfertilized that they're unnoticeable. Thomcord grapes are primarily valued for their culinary use as table grapes but also add ornamental appeal when planted in gardens or used as edible decor.
Nutritional Value
Thomcord grapes, like other varieties, contain vitamin C to support immune health and protect cells from damage. This vitamin also plays a crucial role in collagen formation for skin, cartilage, and bone health and enhances the absorption of iron from plant-based foods. These grapes are rich in vitamin K, which is essential for proper blood clotting and promotes bone health by aiding calcium absorption and bone mineralization, potentially reducing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Calcium in Thomcord grapes supports strong bones and teeth, muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. Their magnesium content is vital for muscle and nerve function, blood sugar regulation, and protein synthesis, while also helping maintain blood pressure and cardiovascular health. The potassium in Thomcord grapes helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signals and can lower blood pressure by counteracting sodium.
Applications
Thomcord grapes are best consumed raw and can be eaten fresh out of hand. In their raw form, they may be tossed into acai bowls, yogurt parfaits, oatmeal, and ambrosia salads. Their intense, grape flavor and jelly-like consistency make them suitable for savory-sweet relishes that accompany meat and poultry dishes like roasted or fried chicken and can be used in making jams and compotes. Thomcord grapes are often roasted on flatbreads, crackers, crostinis, and focaccia bread or baked into desserts such as pies, tarts, and crepes. They can also be mixed into green salads alongside nuts like almonds or pistachios, fruit salads with strawberries and blueberries, or charcuterie boards with creamy cheeses like brie and gruyere. This variety pairs well with olives, onions, rosemary, thyme, basil, mint, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, sweet potatoes, spinach, arugula, fish, kiwi, papaya, mangoes, ice cream, and feta, goat, and blue cheese. Thomcord grapes will keep up to one week when stored in a perforated bag in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Some growers choose to market Thomcord grapes under alternative, catchier names. In 2015, Melissa’s Produce in Los Angeles began selling Thomcord grapes under the name Jelly Drops®. Thomcord grapes from Brandt Farms are sold as Grape Jammers. Unique names like these are a marketing tool to create novel varieties that consumers remember and purchase on a more frequent basis. It also allows different companies to distinguish their produce from other retailers and encourages consumers to shop exclusively from them.
Geography/History
Thomcord grapes are a hybrid developed in 1983 by David Ramming and Ronald Tarailo in Parlier, California, located in Fresno County. After undergoing culture therapy to make sure they were healthy and disease-free, this variety was approved for market by 2003. Thomcord grapes grow best in hot, dry climates aside from Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. As a hybrid breed, this variety may not be found in the wild but are often grown on vineyards in home gardens or produced commercially. Thomcord grapes have increased in popularity due to their lack of seeds and sweet flavor and can now be sourced from farmers' markets, specialty grocers, and some major grocery stores throughout the United States.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Thomcord Grapes. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Jabberwocky Stew |
|
Thomcord Grap Jam |
| My Burning Kitchen |
|
Thomcord Pie |
| Red Vines |
|
Homemade Grape Soda |
