There are three main types of Green grape grown around the world; European, North American and French hybrids. All are members of the genus Vitis, or climbing vine; the most popular being Vitis vinifera. Thompson seedless grapes are the most common variety.

Grapes are considered berries; there is an average of one hundred berries per bunch of green seedless grapes. Their color ranges from yellowish-green to bright green. Each berry has semi-translucent, smooth skin and a tender green flesh. Pick a bunch of green seedless grapes with green stems indicating freshness. Green grapes are sweet and tart, with the tannins leaving a slight layer of flavor on the tongue.

Serving Ideas

Green seedless grapes can be eaten on their own fresh or frozen. Add to fruit salads for texture, color and for a burst of juicy flavor. Green grapes can be used in hors d’oeurves and pair well with cheeses. They can be made into jellies or pies; dried and made into raisins or fermented and made into wine. Fresh or frozen grape juice is used as a natural sweetener for fresh fruit cocktails. To store, place lightly washed grapes in a perforated plastic bag and refrigerate.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

A popular New Year’s Eve tradition in Spain dating back to the 1880s involves eating twelve Green grapes, each symbolizing one month of the year. The tradition known as “The 12 Lucky Grapes” has revelers eating one grape after each toll from the bells after midnight on New Year’s Eve. If you can eat all twelve grapes by the end of the final bell’s toll, you will have good luck in the New Year. Local vineyards in Spain even sell small cans filled with twelve green grapes.

Geography/History

Green grapes may date back as far as 6000 BC and are native to the Mediterranean region. They are grown today in Europe, North America, France, Australia, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, and New Zealand. Grapes need a warm to hot dry summer and a mild winter. The humidity of the tropics doesn’t suit the growing of grapes. In the United States, over 90% of the Green grapes are grown in California. The great grape rush began in California in 1839 and when the transcontinental railroad came to California in 1869, grapes could then be transported all over the country.

Seasons/Availability

Green seedless grapes are available throughout most of the year because they are grown both in the northern and southern hemispheres, allowing for year-round distribution.