Funny Fingers™ Grapes
Estimated Inventory, 16 lbs : 0
Description/Taste
Funny Fingers™ grapes are large in size and elongated in shape, resembling a small chile pepper. They grow in tightly compacted clusters that can become quite heavy due to the grape’s long nature. The thin and tender skin is light red to maroon with green tinges, while the translucent inner flesh is juicy and seedless. Funny Fingers™ grapes are low in tannins and acidity and have a very sweet flavor with an overall classic grape-like taste reminiscent of plums. The long grapes are known for their crisp texture and have a snap-like feel when consumed.
Seasons/Availability
Funny Fingers™ grapes are available in the summer.
Current Facts
Funny Fingers™ grapes are a hybrid seedless table grape prized for their unique shape and concentrated sweet fruity flavor. They were created by International Fruit Genetics, IFG, in California, through a process of hybridization using hand pollination and selective breeding. After years of experimentation, Funny Fingers™ grapes were released without any use of additives or GMOs, and they were one of the earliest varieties sold by The Grapery®. Funny Fingers™ grapes are difficult to grow and are highly susceptible to shattering, which is when the grape detaches from the stem and shortens the shelf life. Despite their short season, they are beloved as a crisp, flavorful table grape.
Nutritional Value
Funny Fingers™ grapes are a source of antioxidants, flavonoids, and vitamins A, C, and K.
Applications
Funny Fingers™ grapes were grown as table grapes, consumed fresh, out-of-hand. Their long tubular shape also lends them to more diverse culinary applications as they can be split in half and stuffed with salty cheeses to complement their sweet flavor. They can also be roasted with salt and lemon or blistered over high heat and paired with sautéed bitter greens or Brussels sprouts. Funny Fingers™ grapes pair well with almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans, hazelnuts, pork, poultry, duck, rosemary, fennel, fennel seed, mint, endive, yogurt, blue cheese, and goat cheese. They will keep up to one week when stored in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Funny Fingers™ grapes have undergone several name changes and rebranding to promote sales. They were first known as Chili Pepper grapes because of their tapered shape, but consumers began to be confused as to whether or not they were spicy, especially since they were similar in size to the very hot Thai pepper. Then through a series of tests, the name Witch Fingers™ was created in 2011 as a creative play on the finger-like shape. In 2016, the name Funny Fingers™ grapes was created after continued feedback, and these grapes have now established themselves as a unique and flavorful table grape. Funny Fingers™ grapes are also known as IFG Twelve and are sold by The Grapery® under the name Tear Drops™ grapes.
Geography/History
First grown in 2002, Funny Fingers™ grapes were bred by fruit geneticist Dr. David Cain at International Fruit Genetics in California. These finger-shaped grapes are now grown exclusively in the San Joaquin Valley and are commercially grown by The Grapery®. Funny Fingers™ grapes can be found in select markets across the United States.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Funny Fingers™ Grapes. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Gourmet Traveller |
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Smoked Duck Breast with Pickled Grapes |
