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Table Grapes

There are many grape varieties for table use, but most people only know of grapes "imported" to the midwest. These are the large seedless grapes from the supermarket.

Here in the midwest, the most common "backyard" grape is a blue variety generally identified as Concord grapes. We all recognize Welch's jelly and grape juice flavor, derived primarily from Concord grapes. Unfortunately, Concord and supermarket seedless grapes pretty much covers most consumer experience with the taste of grapes.

However, there are many other table grapes, both seeded and unseeded, that can be grown in the midwest. One of the fun things in having a vineyard is being able to grow and taste the wide variety of flavors that most people are unaware of.

Varieties

Seedless

• Canadice

Canadice is pale red seedless grape and is delicious eating.

• Himrod

This is a seedless grape which is similar to Thompson seedless grapes.

• NY 47616

This seedless grape has a consistancy and flavor reminiscent of blueberries. It is delicious.

• Steuben

• Swenson Red

A cold hardy seeded grape with a unique and delicious flavor.

• Blue Bell

Blue Bell is an early ripening grape that makes excellent jam or jelly. It ripens several weeks before Concord, has a similar taste and readily substitutes for it in most recipes.

• Delaware

An old American grape, highly prized in eastern wine growing areas. It makes an excellent wine as well as fresh juice. It has good disease resistance.

• Reliance