Fresh domestic grapes are a healthy treat

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The grape varieties are divided into two groups based on their use: wine or table grapes, but many varieties are dual-use, i.e. suitable for fresh consumption or winemaking, such as chasselas (saszla) or, among the Hungarian varieties, Olivér Irsai and Csabagyöngye. Table grapes are typically beautiful, large-eyed, with crunchy flesh, and their clusters withstand transportation and storage well. Special table grape varieties are, for example, Italy, Hamburg Muscat, Red Globe, and Pölöske Muscat or Pannonia’s treasure among the domestic varieties. From a market point of view, table grape varieties can be grouped according to their color, berry size, shape and cluster size, and seeded and seedless varieties can also be distinguished. Nowadays, there is a tendency for the number of customers who prefer seedless varieties to increase. This change in demand generates new varieties in the seedless category, both white and blue.

In Hungary, table grapes are grown on 373 hectares

The largest area is in Bács-Kiskun (146 hectares), Heves (62) and Tolna (44) counties. At the same time, a significant amount of the dual-use varieties is also used for food, so the total vineyard area for food is around 900-1000 hectares. Thanks to the continuous ripening sequence, table grapes can be eaten fresh from July to October. Csabagyöngye, Queen of the Vineyards muscat, Szasla are popular among the early-ripening ones, Pölöskei muscat, Attila, Pannonia kincse, among the medium-ripening ones, Hamburg muscat, Afuz Ali and Moldova are among the late-ripening ones.

Grapes are 80 percent water, yet their energy and carbohydrate content is high, but their glycemic index is only medium

Due to its high water and potassium content, it is a good diuretic and detoxifier. Its significant content of vitamins A, B, C, K, as well as potassium, selenium, iron and folic acid promotes blood formation and enhances the body’s ability to protect itself. It is also an excellent source of manganese, which is important for metabolic processes. Good advice from the European Fresh Team program for buying really delicious dessert grapes: always buy ripe grapes, because they are not late-ripening fruit! That is, if it is not picked fully ripe, with a high acid content and low sugar content, it will remain acidic and will not ripen. It is also worth checking the integrity of the clusters and the tightness of the berries. Freshness is indicated if the grape stalk is bright green. The curls must always be washed before consumption – reminds the NAK education program.