I’ve noticed that (non-organic)!grapes seem to have gotten crunchier and crunchier over the years . GMO? Concerned about consumption??? TIA.la
I have zero data for this, but I’d imagine it’s because they’re more desirable for most and, as a result, farmers are planting and growing varieties that are crunchier. I love a good, crisp grape for fresh eating!
What is crunchier? Seriously, I don’t know what you are saying. I am guessing it is related to the composition of the grape such that it gives more resistance to the bite.
If that is correct two thoughts come initially to mind. First is that they are harvested at a lower sugar level. Grapes are hard as rocks initially and soften as they ripen. I doubt one or two brix would really matter but maybe it does. Second and even less likely is irrigation. Grapes without sufficient water will lose moisture and shrivel. I doubt this would happen in a commercial operation but see it in my own vineyard right now where my tannat is having issues since it has been weeks since it last rained. The other varities are still fine.
It could also just be different varity but assume that you are buying the same type of grapes to make the observation of a change over time.
Has there been a change to make them more shippable like tomatoes?
Yes, as well as extended shelf life.
They’re even crunchier if you put them in the freezer. My experience this summer is that the crunchier grapes are plenty sweet
Sort of an odd response, Brian. Perhaps “more crisp” would be a better descriptor? Think of a soft grape versus one that has a nice…well, crunch…when you bit into it. I seek them out that way. As David points out, they’re plenty sweet in the Summer.
My experience is that grapes 30 years ago were plenty crunchy if you got good ones. Maybe there’s just more bad grapes out there these days so it’s harder to find good ones?
I’m finding the grapes this year to be great .
In fact, the varieties/brands we have been buying have Crisp in their name/slogan.
I believe the new varieties to be selections from breeding programs, not GMO. I personally dont like the cotton candy and other really sweet versions but crisp I do like
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I hope not GMO (although not the end of the world for me). Not a fan of the sweet varieties either .
If you like them really crisp, store them in the freezer - yum
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Can’t speak for all but generally the crunchy breeding is not GMO.
That said, I will rarely eat grapes in the US except from very selective sources. Can’t stand the seedless.
“What is crunchier”
I can’t define it but I know it when I bite it.
Autumn Crisp is a lovely green grape for consumers who enjoy an unusually firm, crisp berry with decent levels of sweetness.
Firm, crisp, sweet
Names: Autumn Crisp; Sugrathirtyfive; Sugra35; US Patent PP20,491 P2
Origin: In the 1980’s, Sun World crossbred Italia, Muscat of Alexandria and Dzhidzhigi Kara from Turkmenistan with seedless varieties such as Sugraone to produce a number of interesting cultivars, one of which was eventually developed into Autumn Crisp. The Sunworld grape breeder responsible for the selection was Michael Striem. The first commercial production was in 2012 after an 11 year development programme. Sun World International, LLC, California own the US Plant Patent for the variety and the registration for the name, Autumn Crisp. The US plant patent was granted in November, 2009.
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Really? I can’t stand the seedED.