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Salanova® Lettuces
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Description/Taste
Kyoho grapes are large, round to oval fruits, averaging 2 to 4 centimeters in diameter, and grow in dense, uniform clusters. The skin is smooth, taut, and thick, ranging in color from violet purple to dark purple, almost jet-black. There is also a natural bloom found across the surface, which is a powdery film that protects the grapes from fermenting and moisture loss. Kyoho grapes are a slip-skin variety, allowing the skins to be easily separated from the flesh without damage. The skins are often removed before consumption due to their tannic, subtly bitter flavor. Underneath the surface, the flesh is aqueous, soft, and tender with a translucent green hue, encasing a few oval seeds. When ripe, Kyoho grapes have low acidity and high sugar content, typically reaching around 18 to 20 Brix, contributing to the grape’s sweet, rich flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Kyoho grapes are available in the late summer through early fall.
Current Facts
Kyoho grapes, botanically a member of the Vitaceae family, are a hybrid cultivar created from a cross between the American ishiharawase grape, a Vitis labrusca variety, and the European centennial, a Vitis vinifera variety. The name Kyoho roughly translates to mean "great or big mountain peak,” which was given in honor of the famous Mount Fuji. Kyoho grapes are considered to be one of the most popular varieties in Japan, accounting for one-third of all of the table grapes currently in Japanese cultivation. The dark purple grapes are highly favored for their large size, juicy flesh, and sweet flavor, and are a specialty variety, sold at high prices due to the extensive cultivation practices. Kyoho grapes are primarily consumed as table grapes, eaten fresh, but they are also used commercially to flavor popular snacks, candies, and juices.
Nutritional Value
Kyoho grapes are an excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. The grapes are also a good source of potassium, which regulates fluid levels within the body, dietary fiber to stimulate the digestive tract, and contain resveratrol, an essential phytonutrient in maintaining heart health.
Applications
Kyoho grapes are best suited for fresh applications and are traditionally eaten straight, out-of-hand. It is important to note that the skin can be eaten with the flesh, or it can be removed before consumption, depending on consumer preference. In Japan, the variety is often served peeled and chilled for the sweetest flavor. Kyoho grapes can be sliced and paired with cheeses on appetizer plates, tossed into fruit and green salads, blended into sorbets and ice cream, or used as a topping over baked goods such as cakes, pies, and tarts. The grapes can also be used similarly to a concord, making excellent juice, preserves, and sweet wine. In Japan, Kyoho grapes are often sliced and layered in cream-filled sandwiches or are used in the traditional cocktail chuhai, which is shochu mixed with carbonated water and additional fruity flavorings. Kyoho grapes pair well with cheeses such as feta, blue, and cheddar, peanut butter, lavender, honey, rosemary, fruits such as blueberries, apricots, cherries, apples, and oranges, and nuts such as hazelnut, almonds, pecans, and peanuts. Whole Kyoho grapes will keep up to one week when stored unwashed in a partially ventilated container in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Kyoho grape cultivation is considered an art form in Japan. The strictly controlled growing process involves careful pruning, studying, shaping, and harvesting. As the grapes mature, the bunches are pruned to contain 30 to 35, evenly spaced and sized berries. If there are too many fruits within one bunch, it is believed that the grapes will lose their sweet flavor. Kyoho grape bunches are also molded to have a uniform, round shape and are covered in white paper bags to prevent insect infestations, diseases, and protection from the elements. During the ripening process, the grapes are assessed continuously for their color and size, and once ripe, they are hand-harvested and carefully packaged for the market. Kyoho grapes are often given as luxury gifts in Japan and are a symbol of quality and friendship. There are specialty fruit parlors across the country, such as the Sembikiya Fruit Emporium in Tokyo, that sell high-end fruits as presents for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and weddings. In the store, the fruits are presented to consumers under bright lights, modern signs, and decorative stickers. Some Kyoho grapes, depending on their cultivation, can cost over sixty dollars for one bunch.
Geography/History
Kyoho grapes were developed as a hybrid variety in Japan by agricultural scientist Ooinoue Yasushi in 1937. The cultivar was named Kyoho in 1946 in honor of Mt. Fuji, which was visible from the research center’s windows where Yasushi created the grape. It took several years before the variety gathered enough interest in Japan for extensive cultivation, and in 1957, Kyoho grapes became a widespread cultivar seen in consumer markets. In the modern-day, Kyoho grapes have also been established outside of their native home in both California and Chile. Kyoho grapes can be seasonally found through specialty markets in Japan, China, Korea, Chile, and the United States.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Kyoho Grapes. One
is
easiest, three is harder.| Mountain Side Bride |
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Kyoho Smash |
Recently Shared
People have shared Kyoho 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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Specialty Produce
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Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 134 days ago, 9/07/20 Sharer's comments : Kyohos from Scott Farms 
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Near Singapore, Singapore391 A Orchard Rd B2 -01-1 Ngee Ann City 238872 About 557 days ago, 7/12/19 Sharer's comments : Large Kyoho grapes imported from Japan into Singapore .. 
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