When to Buy Concord Grapes: Seasonality and Availability
If you’re from the United States, you know that sweet, distinctive taste of Concord grapes. That un-mistakable flavor of old-fashioned grape jelly, juice, and candy is all due to this one, legendary variety. And yet, unlike most fruits you can find throughout the year, Concord grapes have a famously brief and fleeting season. If you don’t know when to look, you’ll completely miss out.
As a home cook and food writer, I’m sharing with you the secret to getting your hands on these dark purple gems at their best.
Concord Flavor All Year Round
While the fresh berry season is short, you can enjoy their rich flavor at any time. Discover the world of Concord grape jams, juices, and other products.
Jams, Juices, and More
Thanks to their unique flavor, Concord grapes are ideal for making your favorite jams, juices, and other products. Follow the link to find a new treat for yourself.
When to Buy Concord Grapes: The Window of Opportunity
Here’s the scoop: Concord grapes are typically ready to be picked and hit store shelves in September.
This is a valuable piece of information, since their harvest time is later than almost all other well-known summer fruits. What this implies is that you are going to have to be ready to snatch them up when you see them. So, towards the onset of fall, be sure to check out your neighborhood farmer’s market or your supermarket’s produce section for this seasonal treat.
Insider Tips for Finding the Perfect Bunch
After you’ve found a stand that sells Concord grapes, how do you know if they’re ripe and ready? Don’t take just any clump—look for these key indicators:
- Deep, Rich Color: Ripe Concord grapes will be a rich, purplish-black color. If they look pale or have a reddish hue, chances are that they’re not fully ripe and won’t taste that rich sweetness.
- Firm and Plump: The grapes should be firm to the touch and plump. Reject the bunch that has shriveled or soft grapes as it is an indication that they either have surpassed their best season or have been stored improperly.
- A Sweet Aroma: Take a whiff of the bunch! Ripe Concord grapes have a sweet, pungent, and fragrant aroma with a characteristic smell. If they don’t smell like ordinary grape juice, they probably won’t taste it either.
- Taste is the Test: When you’re at a farmer’s market, don’t hesitate—ask to taste it! The best way to know if a grape is ripe is by the taste.
More Than Just a Snack: What to Do with Your Grapes
Concord grapes are best to be consumed fresh from the vine, but due to their unique flavor and rich pectin content, they are a baker’s and canner’s dream. Their earthy and sweet flavor is widely used in the following ways:
- Old-Fashioned Concord Grape Jelly or Jam: The most popular use of this type is certainly an old-fashioned jelly or jam.
- Grape Pie: A rustic, beautiful, and delicious pie that’s the ultimate fall flavor.
- Sweet and Savory Sauces: A Concord grape reduction can be a fantastic condiment for roasted chicken or pork.
- Homemade Grape Juice: The best way to keep their flavor alive and drink it all year long.
A Pro Tip for the Home Gardener
If you’re lucky enough to be cultivating your own Concord grapevine, only harvest should be performed when the vine reaches its third year, not earlier. When you’re ready to harvest, the professionals recommend trimming the clusters from the vine using pruning shears, rather than tugging on them manually. To produce the best outcome, attempt this on a day when it’s dry to bring out the greatest potential in the grapes.
So this autumn, be on the lookout for these amazing grapes. Their short life is sure to be a guarantee that the sweet tastes of autumn have come.
FAQs
When are Concord grapes in season?
They are a late-season grape, typically harvested in September and available for a short time through early October.
Why are Concord grapes so expensive?
Their price is often tied to their short, specific harvest season and the fact that most of the crop goes to juice and jelly production, making the fresh-market supply more limited.
How do I choose the freshest Concord grapes?
Look for bunches with plump, deep purple grapes. The skin should be smooth and firm, and the grapes should have a powdery white “bloom” on the surface, which is a natural sign of freshness. A sweet, fragrant smell is also a good indicator.
What are some popular uses for Concord grapes?
They’re famously used for juice, jelly, and jam. They’re also excellent for homemade pies, baked goods, and savory sauces.
What’s so special about Concord grapes?
Their claim to fame is a unique, deeply sweet, and “foxy” flavor (a term used to describe a bold, musky taste). This distinct flavor is what defines classic American grape juice and jelly.
Why don’t they sell Concord grapes?
They are sold, but often only in specific regions and for a very short season. They have a thick skin and seeds, which makes them less popular for eating fresh compared to seedless varieties, so most of the crop is processed into other products.
What are Concord grapes good for?
Their strong flavor makes them ideal for any recipe where you want a robust grape taste. This includes making syrups, sorbet, sauces, or even a flavorful wine.
Can I eat Concord grapes?
Yes, you can eat them fresh. While they have seeds and a tough skin that some people don’t prefer, they are completely safe to eat and have a delicious taste.
What is the most expensive type of grape?
The most expensive grape is the Ruby Roman grape from Ishikawa Prefecture in Japan. It’s known for its incredibly large size and is often sold at luxury auctions.
Are Concord grapes healthier than red grapes?
Both are very healthy. Concord grapes have a higher concentration of flavonoids and polyphenols in their dark skins and seeds, which are powerful antioxidants. Red grapes also contain these nutrients but in slightly lower amounts.
What is the best way to eat Concord grapes?
The “best” way is subjective, but many people enjoy them in these forms:
- Fresh: Straight off the vine, just be prepared for the seeds.
- Juiced: They make a rich, flavorful juice.
- Baked: In pies or tarts, as the heat softens the skins and the seeds can be strained out of the filling.
Where do Concord grapes grow naturally?
They are not a wild grape but are a cultivated variety. They originated in Concord, Massachusetts, and are a hybrid of wild American grapes. They grow best in colder climates.