When one thinks of the word “grape,” they often think of the purplish-red colored orb that society calls a fruit. However, the best grape is not the red grape. It is not the iconic grape used for grape jams and jellies. It is not the common grape used in drawings and illustrations. It is not the tasty grape used to create red wines. No. The best grape is the white grape.
White grapes are not often thought of when one thinks of the word “grape.” The actual color of the grape is more of a green-yellow color, and they are evolutionarily derived from the red grape. The white grape gets its color (or lack thereof) from mutations within the genes that turn off anthocyanin, the chemical that produces the red grape’s color.
The grape is botanically a berry. A berry is classified as fruit without a stone or pit and is produced from a single flower and contains a single ovary. Most white grapes are seedless, but the seeds in seeded grapes grow from the stem of the grape into the center of the fruit.
Red grapes taste more bitter and have a richer flavor than white grapes. There are many variations of red grapes, all used to make several types of wines and jellies.
But the white grape is really where it is at. The white grape is milder, sweeter, and has a less blaring in-the-face color. It may not be used to make the jams and jellies that society adores, but when it comes to eating plain fruit, white grapes are much more enjoyable.
White grapes are more commonly placed on charcuterie boards and more commonly paired with cheeses and crackers. The cooler, milder taste pairs nicely with bolder, creamier cheeses such as brie, Camembert, blue, cheddar, ricotta, and goat. They also go well with nut varieties such as almonds and hazelnuts, as well as sweet condiments like honey.
It is not uncommon for grapes to grow in Florida. The most substantial grape vine grown in Florida is either Muscadine (a dark-colored, native grape) or normal bunch grapes (all varieties but non-native). The bunch grapes grow in much larger groupings and do not have as many health benefits as the Muscadine grapes do. The bunch grapes come in all different kinds and colors, like red or white, but the Muscadine grapes are normally darker colored and have much thicker skin than normal bunch grapes.
White grapes are a much better grape than red grapes. While the red grape is used more commonly for other foods, like wines and jams, the white grape is still used in white wines and is more commonly eaten by itself.