COTTON CANDY GRAPES

By Sandy Sun, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science

Have you heard of cotton candy grapes? Available in some farmers markets and grocery stores, this newer type of white table grape is known for its sweetness. Cotton candy grapes were created and produced in California by cross-breeding popular types of grapes to create a sweet, firm grape. Some types of grapes are also grown in Florida. Muscadine and bunch grapes are the most common kinds that grow in the state. These juicy, sweet-tart, bite-sized berries are good for eating raw, as well as making wine or jam. Other popular uses include grape jelly in peanut butter sandwiches, raisins, and grape juice.

Nutritional Profile

Fresh cotton candy grapes are full of all the same vitamins and minerals as green and red grapes. This sweet, juicy fruit is considered a very good source of vitamin C, and a good source of vitamin A, dietary fiber, riboflavin, and potassium. The outer peel is entirely edible and contains most of the fiber in the fruit. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one cup of fresh grapes (92 g) contains 61.6 calories, 0.58 g of protein, 0.32 g of fat, 61.6 g of carbohydrate, and 2.9 g of fiber. It also provides 33% of the Daily Recommended Value (% DV) for manganese, 6.1% for Vitamin C, 5.3% for thiamin, 5% for potassium, and 5% for niacin.

Full of disease-fighting antioxidants

Fresh grapes are bursting with antioxidants including vitamin C, manganese, carotenoids, resveratrol, and other phytonutrients. The highest concentration of these nutrients is found in the skin and seeds. Antioxidants help protect the body’s cell membranes from harmful free radical damage and lower markers of oxidative stress. Very importantly, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of grapes offer protection against cancer.

Resveratrol is a special phytonutrient that is believed to play a role in longevity. This compound has been positively linked to inhibiting cancer, heart disease, and viral infections. Found in muscadine and other grape varieties, resveratrol may also have anti-microbial and anti-hypertensive properties.

Antioxidants protect cell membranes from potential oxygen damage and inflammation. This decreases the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Grapes, as well as grape juice and red wine, have been shown to play a role in reducing high blood pressure, reducing total and LDL cholesterol levels, decreasing inflammation and decreasing clumping of platelets (which may help prevent blood clots).

Grapes are considered an excellent source of manganese, an antioxidant that plays many important roles in the body. It helps keep bones strong, maintain normal blood sugar levels, and proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Manganese also helps the body utilize other nutrients such as vitamin C, thiamin, choline, and biotin.

How to select and store

Choose plump, firm grapes that feel heavy for their size and are still attached to the stem. Look for richly colored skin that is free of blemishes. Store grapes in a shallow container in the refrigerator. Rinse under cool running water before eating or preparing.

How to enjoy

Fresh cotton candy grapes are delicious and juicy eaten out of hand. They can be juiced or cooked into jelly or jam. Add grapes to cereal, yogurt, or salad, or use them to garnish and top cakes and desserts.

Enjoy fresh grapes today. In every juicy, sweet-tart bite is a load of great nutrition. For a list of u-pick farms and wineries in the state, go to Florida Grape Growers’ Association: ttp:// www.fgga.org/index.html

Selected References http://www.whfoods.com http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://www.fgga.org/index.html http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org