Culinary Skills - Fruits
 
Family: Grapes

Perlette Grapes 
( Vitis vinifera )

Country of Origin:

  
California

Peak Season:


 May through July

Perlette means "little pearl" in French because the berries are round, and light in color with an almost frosty green, translucent appearance. This grape was developed from a combination of many Eastern European grape varieties. Perlettes are seedless, mild and sweet to slightly tart, and are available May through July.

As with all grapes, Perlette are low in sodium, high in anti-oxidants, have food amounts of fiber, and are low in calories, with 70 per cup. Grapes do not get sweeter after picking, so color is the best indicator for ripeness and sweet flavor. Look for grapes that are plump and firmly attached to pliable stems. Avoid soft or wrinkled fruits.

Grapes are sold ripe and ready to eat. Refrigerate unwashed. They will keep will for up to 7 days at 38-40 degrees F. Just before service, rinse grapes with cool water.  Emperor grapes store well.

One pound of  grapes with yield 3 cups.

Here are three in-depth and excellent grape sites for information, recipes and more:

http://www.tablegrape.com/rev99/index.htm

http://www.dole5aday.com/encyclopedia/Grapes/grapes_types.html

 


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Metropolitan Community College
Web Editor:   Tina Powers
tpowers@metropo.mccneb.edu
Last Edited: 01/11/02