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Green Muscat Grapes
Inventory, 18 lbs : 0
Description/Taste
Green muscat grapes are small to medium in size and are round to oblong in shape, growing in tight clusters on medium-sized, cylindrical bunches. The smooth skin ranges in color from pale yellow to green and is slightly firm and crisp, but not crunchy. The translucent green flesh is juicy, plump, soft, and seedless. Green muscat grapes are very sweet with a unique grapey aroma that is musky with hints of honey and strong floral notes. In addition to the grapes, Green muscat grapevines are somewhat thick and have medium-sized, dark green leaves.
Seasons/Availability
Green muscat grapes are available in the summer through fall.
Current Facts
Green muscat grapes, botanically classified as Vitis vinifera, grow on vigorous vines and are members of the Vitaceae family. Muscat grapes are considered by many to be one of the oldest cultivated grapes varieties in the world, and there are over two hundred varieties within the muscat family. Green muscat grapes are known by many names, and there are a number of varietals that can be technically categorized as green, including Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, Muscat Blanc, Muscat Canelli, Muscat Frontignan, Moscato Bianco, Muscat de Frontignan, Muscat d'Alsace and Muskateller. The unique quality of the muscat grape is its heady aroma and flavor caused by the presence of monoterpenes. The French noted this musky character and called it "musqué” and it has also been described as a floral, grapey, aroma. Green muscat grapes are known for making all styles of wine from still to sparkling and dry to sweet and are also used as table grapes and to make raisins.
Nutritional Value
Green muscat grapes are a good source of vitamin A, C, K, and the heart-healthy phytonutrient, resveratrol.
Applications
Green muscat grapes are best suited for both raw and cooked applications such as boiling or roasting. They can be eaten fresh, out-of-hand or added to fruit salads and paired with cheeses. They can also be dried for golden raisins, pressed into a juice, or made into wine as the flavor of the grape does not diminish during the fermentation process. As an edible garnish, the grapes can be dipped in beaten egg whites, sprinkled with granulated sugar, and chilled until set. Fresh muscat grapes pair well with soft cheeses, Thai or Indian food, mince pies, roasted poultry, and duck entrees. They will keep up to a week when stored unwashed in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Muscat grapes have been made into wine for thousands of years and are prized for their ability to produce wine with the same flavor as the grape itself. Muscat grapes are known for their musky grape flavor and have been referenced in art and literature across Europe. The strong perfume of muscat grapes inspired the Roman author Pliny to declare it "the grape of the bees,” in his famous work, “Natural History” and some historical sources cite the muscat grape as Cleopatra's favorite fruit. Muscat grapes have an established presence in Europe including Greece, Italy, France, and Austria and each region places their own style and twist on wine made from muscat grapes.
Geography/History
The exact origins of muscat grapes are unknown, but they are believed to have originated in Greece or Italy and have been grown since ancient times. The Muscat grape followed trade routes and was soon established throughout Europe and Asia and was then spread by early Spanish and Italian immigrants to the Americas. Today Green muscat grapes can be found at specialty markets across Europe, Australia, South America, South Africa, Mexico, and the United States.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Green Muscat Grapes. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Salt and Pepper Skillet |
|
Panna Cotta & Muscat Grape Granita |
| LA Weekly |
|
Muscat Grape Dessert |
