Red Muscat Grapes
Estimated Inventory, 20 ct : 0
This item was last sold on : 05/21/23
Description/Taste
Red muscat grapes are small to medium in size and are round to oblong in shape, growing in tight, cylindrical clusters. The smooth, glossy skin ranges in color from pale blush to deep red, and the skin is firm and crisp, but not crunchy. The translucent green flesh is seedless, aromatic, and juicy with a soft, bursting sensation on the palate. Red muscat grapes are known for their sweet taste and distinctive floral quality that is reminiscent of ripe pear, rose, and candied grape.
Seasons/Availability
Red muscat grapes are available in the summer.
Current Facts
Red muscat grapes, botanically classified as Vitis vinifera, are among some of the oldest cultivated grapes and are thought to be the ancestor of many known varieties that are eaten today. There are over two hundred cultivars of muscat grapes, and many cultivars can range from almost pure white to deep reddish-purple and are known for making all styles of wine from still to sparkling and dry to sweet. Red muscat grapes are known by a number of names that can technically be classified as red, including Moscato Rosa, Rosenmuskateller, and Muscat Hamburg. They are predominantly used for their heady aroma and flavor to make wine but are also used as table grapes, snacks, juices, and to make raisins.
Nutritional Value
Red muscat grapes are excellent sources of vitamins A, C, K, carotenes, flavonoids, and B-complex vitamins such as pyridoxine, riboflavin, and thiamine.
Applications
Red muscat grapes can be used in both raw and cooked preparations such as roasting and boiling. They can be enjoyed fresh, out-of-hand as a table grape or paired with cheeses, savory charcuterie, and salads. Red muscat grapes can also be dried for raisins, made into wine as the flavor of the grape does not diminish from the fermentation process, boiled and made into jams and jellies, or roasted with savory dishes such as curry for a hint of sweetness. Red muscat grapes pair well with duck, chicken, and pork, nuts, blue cheese, goat cheese, and spicy meats such as prosciutto and Toscano salami. They will keep up to one week when stored unwashed in a plastic bag or sealed container in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Greece, Red muscat grapes are mainly cultivated on the island of Samos for dessert wine and have been cultivated there as far back as 1200 BCE. Samian sweet dessert wines are known worldwide and have inspired poets such as Lord Byron to pen famously romantic lines such as, "Fill high the bowl with Samian wine." Samian wines are also known for their quality, as the wine production on the island is controlled by the cooperative, which is a group that ensures the grapes are taken care of and all grapes grown on the island pass through their quality standards. The quality of the grapes also stems from the ideal terrain on the island and the years of grape cultivation experience that has been passed on from generation to generation.
Geography/History
The exact origins of muscat grapes are largely unknown, but they are believed to be native to Greece or Italy and have been cultivated since ancient times. The muscat grape grew throughout the Mediterranean region and quickly spread through most of Europe and Asia. They were then shared along trade routes to Africa and spread to the Americas with early Italian and Spanish immigrants. Today Red muscat grapes can be found at specialty markets in Europe, Mexico, the United States, Chile, Brazil, Australia, and South Africa.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Red Muscat Grapes. One
is easiest, three is harder.| MT PB&J |
|
Balsamic Roasted Muscat Grape Salad |
| LA Weekly |
|
Muscat Grape Dessert |
| Jim Drohman |
|
Red Muscat Grape Jam |
| Italian Kiwi |
|
Muscat Grape Sorbet (Sorbetto all'Uva) |
