Grapes

A bunch of luscious grapes, dangling enticingly, is a magnificent sight indeed! There would be few who are not tempted by this succulent fruit. Popularly known as ‘Nature’s candy’, the fruit is an excellent snack. 

The grape is one of the oldest cultivated fruits. Hieroglyphics (pictorial symbols used in the earliest known writing systems) show that Egyptians were involved in grape and wine production, and the early Romans were known to have developed new varieties. Grown and harvested in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America, grapes are found nearly all over the world in some form. Grape growing is known as viticulture. Grapes grow on climbing vines which can grow to 15 - 25 metres if not pruned. The deciduous vine has large, green, flat leaves. Flowers grow in clusters and are small, green and fragrant. After the fertilization of the flowers, bunches of grapes are formed. They are picked when they are ripe and sweet. The bunch is like a pyramid. Each grape is attached to the main stem of the bunch by its own short stem. Its thin skin encloses a sweet, juicy, jelly-like, almost translucent flesh. It is about the size of a marble or slightly bigger, about 1 - 2 cm long, spherical or egg-shaped, and either seeded or seedless. The colour varies from green to dark purple, and some varieties have a whitish coating or bloom. 
Grapes are a versatile fruit, having many uses. Over the ages, they have been harvested to be eaten fresh, dried to sustain people through the long winter months or turned into wine for both social and religious occasions. 

Grapes are not only delicious but also packed with nutritional power. They contain antioxidants called flavonoids and phenols that can help prevent heart disease. One serving of grapes (1 1⁄2 cups) contains just 90 calories and provides 25% of your daily vitamin C. Grapes also contain adequate amounts of potassium and Vitamin A.