Green Grapes
My favorite time for eating green grapes was after I'd been out running or cycling. There was something so satisfying about their sweet juiciness, their texture and the very convenience of these tasty morsels. Of course the major use of grapes is in wine making with both red and white wines adding delight to great food and company. The green grape, also called Sémillon and Wyndruif, is cultivated in France, Australia, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, and New Zealand just to name a few places. The Sémillon variety is a golden-skinned grape used to make dry and sweet white wines, most notably in France and Italy. The grape grows well in warmer climates, ripens early during the season, and acquires a pinkish hue. With the exception of rotting after time, this type of grape is fairly resistant to disease. On the other hand, Sémillon grapes have a thin skin that burns easily when exposed to intense sunlight in hotter climates. The Sémillon grape is rather heavy in comparison to other grapes, has a low acidity, and an almost oily texture. It has a high yield and wines based on this grape can age over a long time. Along with Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle, Sémillon is one of only three approved white wine varieties in the Bordeaux region. The grape is also often used as the base for sweet wines such as those in Sauternes and Barsac. History of Consumption Today Australia's major white varieties are Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. However, during the country's viticultural development its major variety was the Sémillon, at this time it was mistakenly called Riesling. In France, the Sémillon grape is grown mostly in Bordeaux where it is blended with Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. When dry, it is referred to as Bordeaux Blanc and in this form its production is permitted in the appellations of Pessac-Léognan, Entre-deux-mers, and other less-renowned regions. Common Consumption Today Similar to other varieties of grapes, the green grape can be eaten fresh or frozen, in yogurts and salads, as well as dried to make raisins or fermented to make wine. They can also be used to make jelly and pies. More recently, a beverage called grape lemonade has risen in popularity as being a great thirst quencher. In addition, fresh or frozen grape juice is currently used as a sweetener for fresh fruit cocktails. Any type of grape can be used to make lemonade or added as a sweetener to various beverages. Vitamins, Minerals and Phytochemical Components Grapes contain vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. Resveratrol and ellagic acid can be found in the skin and seed of grapes. Both of these substances are antioxidants that according to the American Institute for Cancer Research, may prevent, reverse, and slow down genetic mutations that normally cause cancer. Medicinal Uses Based on Scientific Studies Coming Soon
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