Grapes
|
Select grapes that are fresh and plump. Grapes should be uniform in color without brown spots. They should not fall off the stem, but yield after pulling slightly. Wash grapes carefully in cool water before using. Grapes are ideal as a luncheon dessert, snack, wine and cheese complement, or garnish. They are also delicious when tossed into a salad, or mixed into yogurt and cereals. To freeze grapes, wash and pat dry. Place a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid. Once frozen, pack in airtight freezer containers. These are a great snack! |
Eat grapes right away or store grapes unwashed in a clear plastic bag separate from other fruit and vegetables in the crisper bin of your refrigerator. Wash with cool water and drain before serving. Grapes can be stored for up to one week.
Great Things About Grapes
- A cup of red or green grapes has only 100 calories; there's 60 in a cup of Concord grapes.
- Two recent reports suggest that substances called anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, which give Concord grape juice its rich color, may help slow the growth of breast-cancer tumors. (The same pigments may help prevent short-term memory loss, too).
- A new animal study finds antioxidants called polyphenols in grapes protect insulin-producing cells in the pancreas and may help to prevent type 1 diabetes.
- Compounds found in grapeseeds may offer protection against sun-related skin cancer.
Grape Nuggets
- Pick grape clusters that have plump berries and are firmly attached to the stem.
- An amber or honeycolored tint on Thompson seedless green grapes means they were left on the vine longer and are really sweet.
- Stash unwashed grapes in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week to keep them fresh.
- Store grapes far away from scallions and other pungent foods so they won't absorb the flavors.
- Rinse grapes thoroughly. Most conventionally grown grapes are sprayed with peseticides, so make sure to wash them extra well.
Nutritional Facts:
- Fat-free
- Saturated fat-free
- Sodium-free
- Cholesterol-free
See also: Grape Food Facts.
Recipe: Chocolate Grape Tartlets
2 tablespoons butter
4 cups seedless grapes
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons each flour and unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 sheets phyllo dough
Gently brown butter in small saucepan over low heat; watch carefully so it will not burn. Mix grapes, sugar, flour, cocoa, vanilla and cinnamon. Working quickly, cut sheets of phyllo dough into 4-inch squares. Place squares between waxed paper and cover with towel. Lightly grease bottom of each cup in a standard muffin tin with browned butter. Place 2 squares phyllo dough in each cup, brush lightly with browned butter, repeat with 2 more squares and brush with browned butter again. (There will be four layers of phyllo dough squares in each cup of the muffin tin.) Fill each with 1/4 cup grape mixture. Sprinkle remaining cocoa mixture in bottom of bowl over grapes. Cut trimmings of phyllo dough into short narrow strips; sprinkle about 1 tablespoon over filling in each muffin cup. Drizzle remaining butter over top. Bake at 375 degrees 35 to 40 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool slightly; remove from muffin tins.
Calories 107; Protein 1.4 g; Fat 2.9 g; Calories from Fat 23 percent; Carbohydrate 20.3 g; Cholesterol 5.2 mg; Fiber 1.1 g; Sodium 67 mg.
Print just this recipe. (New window)
See also:
Frosty Grapes
Spiced Grape and Yogurt Salad
Alpine Muesli with Red and Green Grapes
Print Page 
Back to Index 
Email this Page!
Health Concern Tool
| Find a Supplement Suggestion Buy Your Supplement at Discount Price! | |
Extras!
- Men and Weightloss
- Belly Blessings
- Free Printable Recipe Cards
- More Free Stuff
- Fitness and Freebies Food Articles
