Black Seedless Grapes
Estimated Inventory, 20 lbs : 8.37
This item was last sold on : 03/29/25
Description/Taste
Black seedless grapes are small to medium in size and are round to slightly oval in shape. Their skin is deep purple to nearly black, and some varieties may have a waxy bloom or film on the surface to prevent moisture loss. The skin is firm and does not slip from its flesh. The flesh is translucent, tender, and less crunchy than most red or green table grapes. Although Black seedless grapes are defined as seedless, occasionally they will contain one to two almost unrecognizable tiny, edible, fleshy and underdeveloped seeds. Black seedless grapes are juicy with a sweet, grapey muscat flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Black seedless grapes are available year-round, with peak season in summer through fall.
Current Facts
There are multiple species of Black seedless grapes within the Vitus genus, including vinifera, labrusca, riparia, rupestris, and rotundifolia. The most common Black seedless grapes grown as table grapes are Vitis vinifera and Vitis labrusca, or a hybrid of the two. Black seedless grapes are prized for their lush, juicy pulp, very sweet flavors, and highly aromatic skins that offer a pleasant chewiness. Some of the more notable varieties found on the market are Black Monukka, Summer Royal, Autumn Royal, and Black Emerald.
Nutritional Value
Black seedless grapes contain significant amounts of vitamins A, C, and K. Flavonoids within the grape’s skin, such as resveratrol, also provide antioxidant qualities which can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Applications
Black seedless grapes are best suited for raw applications and are most often eaten fresh, out-of-hand or tossed into green salads. They can also be pressed to make juice and dried to make raisins. Black seedless grapes can be roasted and cooked down into sauces and jams, baked into pies, or frozen and whipped into an instant sorbet. The rich flavor and inherent sugar content of Black grape juice is also a natural sweetener for fresh fruit cocktails. Black seedless grapes pair well with thyme, mint, rosemary, honey, balsamic vinegar, rich cream, blue cheese, lemonade, orange juice, asparagus, almond, and pistachio. They will keep up to a week when stored in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The California grape industry has shifted its focus from seeded to seedless grapes to meet consumer demand. In 1923, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) created a breeding program in Fresno, California to develop seedless grapes in an effort to create varieties that were sweet but convenient to eat. The production of Black seedless grapes varieties increased greatly, and the grapes became popular because of their antioxidant and resveratrol content.
Geography/History
The first ever seedless grape was a natural occurring European grape strain with origins between the Black and Caucasus Seas and a genetic abnormality caused the seeds to cease development. This singular variety is the ancestor to all seedless grapes. Modern Black seedless grape varieties are the result of "embryo rescue," which is a sophisticated procedure in which tiny developing seeds are removed from promising grapes. The seeds are then nurtured in Petri dishes and test tubes into tiny rootlet plants. This is done to create viable new breeds because, in nature, there is little chance that they would survive. Black seedless grapes can be found in markets and stores across the United States, Europe, South America, and Asia.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Le Coq | La Jolla CA | 858-427-1500 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| Ron Oliver | San Diego | 619-295-3172 |
| Urban Corps Charter School | San Diego CA | 619-235-6884 |
| Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 619-795-9135 |
| Maderas Golf Club | Poway CA | 858-451-8100 |
| Parfait Paris (La Jolla) | La Jolla CA | 619-319-7811 |
| Reata Glen | Ladera Ranch CA | 949-545-2250 |
| Portside Pier (TopSail) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill Bar | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Tahona (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| BFD-Big Front Door | San Diego CA | 619-723-8183 |
| Hotel Republic San Diego | San Diego CA | 951-756-9357 |
| The Britannia Tearooms | San Diego CA | 619-683-2748 |
| Il Giardino di Lilli | La Jolla CA | 619-467-9897 |
| Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
| Leila | San Diego CA | 619-550-5412 |
| Venissimo Cheese North Park | San Diego CA | 619-376-1834 |
| Bernardo Heights Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-487-4022 |
| Raised By Wolves | San Diego CA | 916-207-1076 |
| Venissimo Cheese Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-491-0708 |
| Panama 66 | San Diego CA | 619-206-6352 |
| Crust Pizzeria Carlsbad 2019 | Carlsbad CA | 760-944-1111 |
| Half Door Brewing | San Diego CA | 619-655-7459 |
| Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
| Healthy Creations-Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 760-479-0500 |
| Red O Restaurant (Bar) | San Diego CA | 858-291-8360 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Blue Whale | La Jolla CA | 808-868-8639 |
| Siamo Napoli | San Diego CA | 619-300-4810 |
| Bleu Boheme | San Diego CA | 619-255-4167 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (Banquets) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Black Seedless Grapes. One
is easiest, three is harder.| The View from Great Island |
|
Black Grape and Cognac Sorbet |
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