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History

Cultivation of the grape goes back as far as 6,000 B.C. in the region between the Black and Caspian seas near northern Iran. Hieroglyphics (pictorial symbols used in the earliest known writing systems) show that Egyptians were involved in grape and wine production, and the early Romans were known to have developed new varieties. Grape seeds dating to 4000 B.C. were found in Switzerland and Italy. The Romans developed the first trellis systems, using birch trees planted near vines, to enable the grapes to climb rather than spread over the ground. For more than 200 years grapes have been cultivated in California since Spanish missionaries established vineyards at the missions to make sacramental wine. In California, the boom in grapes planted for fresh eating came in 1839 when William Wolfskill, a trapper, planted the first table grape vineyard on his lands near Los Angeles. Wolfskill was the first farmer to ship grapes to northern California towns. He is credited with founding the states citrus industry as well. In the 1860’s, William Thompson, an English settler, planted the first Eastern Mediterranean grape known as the Oval Kishmish near Yuba City north of Sacramento, California. This popular green variety is now known as the Thompson Seedless.

Variety

There are more than 60 varieties of table grapes, which are grouped by color. Fresh table grapes fall into three basic colors: green (sometimes called white), red and blue back. Each variety possesses a distinct color, taste, texture and history. The two main types of grapes are the American and European. Today, both are grown in the United States. They both come in seeded and seedless varieties. Seeded varieties are thought to have a better flavor than seedless, but Americans who tend to eat grapes as a snack seem to prefer the convenience of seedless grapes. Common varieties include Thompson, Flame, Ruby, Perlette, and Autumn Royal Grapes. The numerous varieties enable consumers to have fresh California table grapes from May through February.


Green Seedless	Red Seedless	Black Seedless
Variety: Perlette	Variety: Flame	Variety: Autumn Royal
The first grape of the season, the Perlette is light in color - almost frosty green with a translucent cast; the berries are nearly round. Perlette means "little pearl" in French.	The result of a cross between Thompson Seedless, Cardinal and several other varieties, the Flame Seedless is a round, crunchy, sweet grape with a deep-red color.	These blue-black sweet berries are oval, thin-skinned and firm. Autumn Royal has medium-sized berries with pale green flesh and a mellow flavor.

Red Seedless	Green Seedless	Red Seeded

Variety: Crimson	Variety: Thompson	Variety: Red Globe
This red variety has firm, crisp berries with a sweetly tart, almost spicy, flavor.	Almost everyone is familiar with this grape's light green color, oblong berries, and sweet, juicy flavor. The variety may have originated in southern Iran.	The large, remarkable clusters of the Red Globe contain plum-size seeded berries. The Red Globe is popular for both eating and decorating during the holiday season.

Red Seedless	Black Seedless	Red Seeded

Variety: Ruby	Variety: Beauty	Variety: Christmas Rose
Grown commercially in the San Joaquin Valley since 1968, the Ruby Seedless is a deep-red, tender-skinned grape.	Originating in Davis, California, this firm, bluish-black grape has a spicy taste and a tender flesh. Beauty Seedless ripens very early and shows a distinctive blue-green foilage.	Another relative newcomer, this light-red seeded variety ripens through December. Developed from four older varieties, the berries are large with a tart-sweet flavor.

Locally Grown

California produces 97% of the nations commercially grown table grapes. Since 1994, exports have increased by 74%. One-third of the California Table Grape crop is exported to more than 60 overseas markets. Fruit Patch applies their field fundamentals when matching the best soil type to the variety. Fruit Patch uses gable vine support systems and complete gable systems for sun-sensitive varieties. By implementing the same quality control standards in our tree fruit program throughout our entire grape program, you can be assured to find consistency in every box. For 2004 Variety Availability, please click here.

Season & Availability Growing fresh table grapes is a year-round job. The season for California Table Grapes extends from May through February, with the peak in July and August. Harvest usually occurs in the late spring to mid-July in the warm desert area of the Coachella Valley in California. In the San Joaquin Valley, harvest continues until late fall. The Coachella Valley & San Joaquin Valley have a warm climate which allows the grapes to ripen slowly on the vine.

Nutrition This berried sized fruit is a wonderful snack, packed with nutritional power. The juiciness and natural sweetness, combined with a low calorie count, make them an excellent snack and dessert food. Grapes are about 80% water, making them a delectable low-calorie snack. Grapes are low in fat, high in carbohydrates, and are a great source of vitamin C. Grapes are also high in antioxidants and other compounds which may help prevent diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Grapes also add fiber to the diet and are naturally low in sodium. The fruit can be eaten fresh, dried into raisins, crushed for wine or juice, or preserved in jellies. Detailed nutritional information can be found by searching the USDA Nutritional Database. Enter “grape” (no quotes) as the keyword and select the link and report of interest.

Grape Facts: Grape growing is known as Viticulture.

Some grape vine root stocks have been found in China that dates back over 8,000 years.

Fresh grapes come in three basic colors: green (sometimes called white), red and blue-black.

Flame grapes were developed in California. They are the result of a cross between Thompson, Cardinal and other grape varieties.

The powdery bloom, more visible on dark-colored grapes than on pale ones, is an important sign of freshness; it fades with time and handling.

Grapes are not picked and shipped until they are sweet and ripe, so unripe grapes are not usually a problem for the consumer. Once they have been picked, grapes will not ripen further.

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