Produce Briefs...
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime, scientific name, X Citrofortunella mitis & Citrus microcarpa, is also known as the lime orange, Chinese orange or Calamondin orange.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Pinkglow™ Pineapple
Pinkglow™ pineapples are small to medium fruits with an oval to cylindrical shape.
Description/Taste
Concord grapes are medium to large in size and are round to oval in shape, growing in loose clusters on sturdy climbing vines. The thick, tannin-rich skin offers a pleasant chewiness and varies in color from deep blue to purple or almost black. A powdery film, or bloom, also develops on the skin’s surface which provides a natural waterproofing and prevents cracking. Concord grapes are a slip-skin variety, meaning the skin can be easily removed from the flesh without damaging it. The translucent green flesh is juicy, almost gelatinous, and contains many large seeds. Concord grapes are highly aromatic, tangy, and sweet with a unique musky flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Concord grapes are available from late summer into early fall.
Current Facts
Concord grapes, botanically classified as Vitis labrusca, grow on hardy vines and are members of the Vitaceae family. Named after their city of origin, Concord, Massachusetts, Concord grapes have been a part of American viticulture since 1843 and have wild, native, New England ancestors. Concord grapes are one of the oldest domestically cultivated grapes grown today and are responsible for making the famous grape juice and jelly.
Nutritional Value
Concord grapes are an excellent source of vitamin C and the phytonutrient, resveratrol, an important chemical in maintaining heart health.
Applications
Concord grapes are best suited for both raw and cooked applications such as boiling and baking. They can be eaten out of hand and are occasionally used as table grapes, but watch for seeds in this tart, succulent-tasting grape. Concord grapes are incredibly versatile and are used for making preserves, juice, wine, liqueur, and vinegar. The grapes contain a chemical compound known as methyl anthranilate which is used to give soft drinks and candy its grape flavor. The intense grapey flavor also makes an excellent tangy sorbet that pairs well with rich, creamy desserts such as pies, cheesecake, or pannacotta and, of course, peanut butter. Other complimentary flavors include almond, pistachio, hazelnut, walnut, peanut, lemon, strawberry, raspberry, endive, arugula, fennel, rosemary, mint, yogurt, sour cream, crème fraiche, goat cheese, blue cheese, pork, duck, and poultry. Concord grapes will keep up to two weeks when stored unwashed in the crisper drawer in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Concord grapes are most well-known for being the main ingredient in grape juice. In 1869, grape juice was first created by Dr. Thomas Welch, a dentist and prohibitionist, and he used forty pounds of Concord grapes from his front yard, cooked and squeezed the juice through cloth bags, sealed the full bottles, and then boiled them to prevent fermentation. His experiment was a success and the first grape juices were sold to churches for use during communion. Grape juice is still used at many communion tables today, and Concord grapes have also been made into Kosher wine for sacramental purposes.
Geography/History
Concord grapes originated in Concord, Massachusetts in 1849 and were first created by Ephraim Wales Bull. Bull wanted to create a hardy vine that could survive the cold climate of Massachusetts. He initially planted 22,000 seedlings and after six years chose one single vine that proved to yield the best fruit, and that original vine is still thriving today in Concord. Concord grapes are still predominately grown in the United States, but the juice and concentrate are also sold in Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Concord Grapes. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Concord Grapes using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Santa Monica Farmers Market
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 219 days ago, 10/13/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 261 days ago, 9/01/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 263 days ago, 8/30/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Murray Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 289 days ago, 8/04/21 Sharer's comments : White Concord Grapes 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 298 days ago, 7/26/21 
University District Farmers Market
Canales Produce
Near Seattle, Washington, United StatesYakima WA About 552 days ago, 11/14/20 Sharer's comments : The real deal but be careful of the seeds :) 
Ballard Farmer's Market
Alm Hill Gardens
Near Seattle, Washington, United States3550 Alm Road Everson WA 98247 360-966-4157 https://www.facebook.com/almhillgardens/ About 586 days ago, 10/11/20 Sharer's comments : Grapes are here - and concords are everyone's go-to :) 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 603 days ago, 9/24/20 Sharer's comments : Concords from Scott Farms 
University District Farmers Market
Canales Produce
Near Seattle, Washington, United StatesYakima WA About 608 days ago, 9/19/20 Sharer's comments : YUM - get them while you can (you got 4 weeks)! So good, the quintessential grape! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 620 days ago, 9/07/20 Sharer's comments : Concord from Murray Family Farms 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 620 days ago, 9/07/20 Sharer's comments : Concords from Murray Family Farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Murray Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 632 days ago, 8/26/20 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Murray Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 639 days ago, 8/19/20 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Murray Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 643 days ago, 8/15/20 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 659 days ago, 7/30/20 Sharer's comments : White Concord Grapes are here!! These grapes have that sweet concord flavor! |
