Grapes

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Grapes are the seeds of plants of the genus Vitis, known in Bulgarian as vines. On the botanical side, grapes are considered strawberry fruits. The grapes has small round or oval fruits, with semi-transparent, smooth skin. Some types of grapes contain edible seeds, while others are seedless.

The grapes are characterized by spherical or oval fruits that grow in clusters and are called clusters. These piles can combine 15 to 30 individual grapes.

History of grapes

The grapes was first cultivated in Asia as early as 5000 BC. It also plays an important role in many biblical stories that refer to it as the "fruit of the vine."

During the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, grapes were revered for their use in making wine. In the 2nd century, the grapes were planted in the Rhine Valley in Germany - a place of remarkable winemaking.

Grapes were first planted in the United States in the early 17th century by Spanish missionaries in New Mexico. Subsequently, viticulture spread rapidly in the central valley of California, where the climate, as well as the lack of insects that attack the grapes, create extremely favorable conditions.

At the end of the 19th century, almost all grape varieties "vinifera" in France were destroyed by insects inadvertently imported from North America. After crossing the surviving varieties with American species, it became possible to grow grapes in this region, famous for its wine.

Italy, France, Spain, the United States, Mexico and Chile are currently among the largest producers of commercial grapes.

Composition of grapes

Grapes are a fruit without fat, saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol. The chemical composition of the grapes is different for different varieties. It depends on the degree of maturity, the soil, the method of cultivation. Grapes are a very nutritious fruit, which is due to the sugars in it - from 13 to 24% sugars, mostly dominated by glucose, followed by grape sugar and a small amount of fructose.

The grapes is an excellent source of manganese, vitamin B6, thiamine (vitamin B1), potassium and vitamin C. About 100 g of grapes contain 62 calories and 0.58 g of protein.

The acids in the composition of the grapes are from 4 to 7%. Grapes contain essential oils, tannin and resinous substances. Contains magnesium, silicon, calcium, arsenic and iodine. Grapes contain a certain amount of vitamin C.

The grapes contains useful compounds called flavonoids, which are phytonutrients and give a deep purple color to grapes.

Selection and storage of grapes

It is recommended to choose grapes that have a rich color, with rounded and firmly attached to the bunch of berries. One way to appreciate the sweetness of the grapes is its color. Green grape varieties should have a slightly yellowish tinge, red varieties should be deep red, purple and blue-black varieties should also be saturated colors to be sweet. The best antioxidant is fully ripe grapes.

Unable to store grapes at room temperature, as it ferments quickly. To store for several days it is necessary to put in the refrigerator. The grapes can retain their taste for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Types of grapes

The grapeswhich is consumed fresh or used in various recipes is called table grapes as opposed to wine grape varieties used to make wine or raisin varieties used as dried fruit.

Although there are thousands of grape varieties, only about 20 of them are consumed. The color, size, taste and physical characteristics vary from variety to variety. The grapes come in a variety of colors, including green, amber, red, blue-black, and purple. It has a slightly crunchy texture and a sweet-sour taste.

European grapes - includes varieties: Thompson (seeds and amber-green color), Emperor (seeds and purple color) and Champagne / Black Corinth (small in size and purple color). European varieties have a skin that clings to the inner texture.

North American grapes - includes the varieties: Concord (blue-black in color and large in size), Delaware (pink-red) and Niagara (amber color and less sweet). These varieties have easier to separate skin.

French hybrids - they were developed from "vinifera" grapes after most of the grape varieties were destroyed in the 19th century.

Culinary application of grapes

In order to make the most of the useful qualities of the sweet fruit, it is recommended to consume freshly picked and well-washed grapes. In addition to fresh consumption, it is used to make a number of desserts, juices, salads, for decoration. Combines well with yellow cheese and blue cheese. Grapes and brandy are made from grapes. There are many types of grapes, but those that contain more tannin are mainly used for making wine. These are the so-called wine varieties.

The sweet and juicy varieties are the ones used in cooking. They retain their shape and do not crack when cooked. Nutmeg is the most suitable for combination with cheese.

Red grapes are suitable for combination with meat. They do not need much heat treatment, just warm up. Varieties with seeds are more fragrant than those without. White grapes combine well with fish, seafood. It is also used in many cakes.

Benefits of grapes

The phytochemicals contained in grapes are antioxidant compounds that help reduce the risk of heart disease. Resveratrol protects the heart muscle and keeps it flexible and healthy. It also reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease and is an anti-aging cure. The role of saponin is also associated with supporting heart health. In addition to resveratrol and saponin, grapes contain another compound called pterostilbene - a powerful antioxidant that is known to protect against cancer and help with low cholesterol.

The rich mixture of phytocompounds contained in grapes makes it extremely useful and has numerous protective effects associated with cholesterol metabolism, oxidative stress (the action of free radicals) and inflammation.

The vitamins contained in grapes strengthen the nervous system and enhance vision. Regular consumption of grapes reduces the risk of blood clots. Helps with migraines, regulates the activity of the gastrointestinal system, improves digestion. Red grapes have strong antibacterial and antiviral properties, protect against infections.

Wine is a protective agent for people with high blood pressure and hypertension. Moderate, regular drinking of wine reduces the risk of death for a variety of reasons, not just coronary artery disease. Red wine also provides protection against lung cancer.

The grapes and its seeds contain compounds called procyanidin B in which they help against breast cancer.

Harm from grapes

Consumption of grapes can cause flatulence and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. It is recommended to eat without the skin, especially in people suffering from peptic ulcer disease, diseases of the intestines, kidneys, urinary tract and genitals. Grapes are contraindicated in people suffering from diabetes.

Beautification with grapes

The use of grape juice, fruit flesh and seed oil has been known since ancient times. Grapes contain a number of useful substances, which is why it is increasingly popular as a cosmetic. It is contained in a number of creams, masks and scrubs.

Every woman can make a regenerating face mask at home. It is only necessary to remove the skin and seeds from the fruit, and then spread the fleshy part of the grapes on the face. Leave on for 15 minutes and wash off.

For skin that has lost its elasticity, mix a few grapes, made into a pulp with 2 tsp. yogurt, a teaspoon of honey and lemon juice. It is applied on the face and acts for 20 minutes.