The grape is the fruit of the vine, which is one of the oldest useful plants of mankind. Originally from the Caucasus and Mesopotamia, the climbing plant is now grown in numerous cultivated forms worldwide in all regions with temperate or subtropical climates. Grapes are eaten raw, but are also processed into various other products, some of which can be used for medicinal purposes.
Here’s what you should know about the grape
Although the grape tastes quite sweet compared to other fruits, it is very healthy. It is almost fat-free and therefore rather low in calories despite the fructose it contains. Grape, or grape for short, is the name given to the fruit cluster of the grapevine. It consists of a large number of individual grapes growing on a panicle. During the ripening period, grapes not only store water, but also the sugar formed by the plant through photosynthesis. As a result, the grape usually tastes pleasantly sweet. As early as in prehistoric times grapevines were cultivated and grapes were modified by breeding. The first evidence of grape cultivation can be found from the time of about 5000 BC in the area of the southern Caucasus. Starting from Mesopotamia, viticulture spread first throughout the Middle East and from 1700 BC in the Mediterranean region. Even before the Roman conquest, viticulture reached what is now France, after which the cultivation of grapes became common in all parts of the Roman Empire that were suitable for it. Nowadays, grapes are cultivated in numerous regions all over the world. Throughout the history of viticulture, about 50 subspecies have been created, with a large number of varieties that differ not only in terms of adaptation to the growing region and the color of the grapes, but also in taste and suitability for different uses. Usually a distinction is made between table grapes and wine grapes. Table grapes are grapes that are eaten as fruit. Thanks to breeding, there are now also seedless table grapes. Wine grapes, on the other hand, are used for the production of grape juice and wine. The berries of wine grapes are usually much smaller and thicker-skinned than those of table grapes. In addition, there are also grapes that are specifically suitable for the production of raisins, as well as various rootstock varieties onto which the noble vines are grafted. All grapes have a similar growth pattern, from flowering in the spring to ripening in the summer and harvesting in the fall. However, since grapes are now grown in a wide variety of countries around the world and traded worldwide, table grapes are available almost year-round.
Importance for health
Although grapes taste quite sweet compared to other fruits, they are very healthy. It is almost fat-free and therefore rather low in calories despite the fructose it contains. It also has a quick satiating effect due to its high liquid content. The fiber contained in the berry skins and grape seeds stimulates digestion, and the high content of potassium has a dehydrating effect. This makes grapes excellent for fasting cures and reduction diets. A regular grape diet, eating only grapes and drinking tea or mineral water for a day or two, can stimulate kidney and bladder function and help maintain body weight. The substances contained in the skins and seeds of grapes have a positive effect on blood circulation, so that the heart and circulation are strengthened. This is especially true for red grapes and is even the case if the grapes are not eaten raw, but have been processed into grape juice or wine. In addition, the substances contained in grapes can regulate cholesterol levels, increase the absorption of vitamins and counteract harmful free radicals. This prevents cell damage, promotes cell renewal and slows down the aging process of the body. Moreover, grapes contain substances that can inhibit the activity of harmful bacteria in the mouth. By reducing plaque, eating grapes can therefore reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Ingredients and nutritional values
| Nutritional information |
Amount per 100 gram |
| Calories 67 | Fat content 0.4 g |
| Cholesterol 0 mg |
Sodium 2 mg |
| Potassium 191 mg | Carbohydrates 17 g |
| Protein 0.6 g |
Dietary fiber 0.9 g |
Grapes contain more fructose than many other fruits, but almost no fat and hardly any protein. Therefore, with an average caloric value of just under 70 calories per 100 grams, they can be consumed in larger quantities without any problems. In addition to numerous minerals such as potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and zinc, grapes also contain many vitamins, especially from the vitamin B group. In the skins of the grape berries as well as in the grape seeds, proanthocyanides as well as the natural polyphenyl resveratol are found, which are considered excellent antioxidants and have a proven inhibitory effect on cancer cells. Red grapes have a significantly higher content of these substances than white grapes, which is why red wine is also considered to be beneficial to health when consumed in moderation. In a particularly concentrated form, however, they are contained primarily in grape seed oil.
Intolerances and allergies
Because of the fructose they contain, people with fructose intolerance can suffer from digestive problems and other symptoms after eating grapes. Abdominal pain, flatulence and diarrhea are particularly common in this case. In rare cases, allergic reactions to grapes also occur. An allergy to grapes manifests itself as tingling or burning in the mouth area and in worse cases in the form of swelling and breathing difficulties. Normally, however, grapes are a light and easily digestible food that is very digestible even for young children.
Shopping and kitchen tips
When buying grapes, make sure that they are fresh and fully ripe fruit, because grapes do not ripen after harvest. This is recognizable by firm and visibly plump berries. These should be undamaged, otherwise mold spores and vinegar bacteria can multiply quickly. Since strong pesticides are still used in conventional viticulture, it is recommended to buy preferably unsprayed grapes from organic cultivation for direct consumption. Nevertheless, they should of course be washed under running water before eating. A dull whitish layer on grape berries is not a sign of sprays or spoilage. It occurs naturally during ripening. Since grapes can only be stored to a limited extent, they should be consumed as soon as possible. However, they will definitely keep for a few days in the fruit compartment of the refrigerator.
Preparation tips
Fresh grapes are usually eaten raw. However, they can also be used as a cake topping or ingredient for cereal, or processed into jelly or jam. With the help of a juicer, grapes can also be easily made into fresh grape juice at home. Of course, this can also be purchased ready-made, just like a large selection of wine varieties. Both juice and wine can be drunk pure, but also used for cooking. Other products are also based on wine, such as brandy and vinegar, which can be used in a variety of ways. Grape seed oil is also very versatile. It is tasteless and highly heatable, making it suitable for both salads and frying.
