Nagano Purple grapes are a hybrid cross between Kyoho and Rosario Bianco grapes.

Nagano Purple grapes are seedless. Their berries are a little smaller than Kyoho (large berry) and Pione grapes. Their shapes are relatively spherical and attached in tight formations on the vine. The color of the nagano Purple grape is dark purple almost black. It's skin is thin, smooth and well attached to the semi-translucent flesh. It is a difficult grape to peel. The berries are firm, and have a nice balance of astringency from the skin and sweetness from the flesh.

Nutritional Value

Nagano Purple grapes have a high sugar content. They contain mostly carbohydrates, in the form of fructose. They become energy quickly without going through the course of metabolism in the body. Polyphenol is also found nagano Purple grapes, especially in the seeds and skin. Polyphenol can help prevent arteriosclerosis. It is said that a bunch of nagano purple grapes has the same amount of resveratrol (polyphenol), as in a bottle of red wine.

Serving Ideas

Choose nagano grapes with dark purple, firm skin. Make sure the color of the branch is bright green. Most nagano Purple grapes have white powder called bloom on the skin. Shake the branches gently, if the grapes drop off easily, they are not fresh. High quality nagano Purple grapes have no gap between berries. Put them in a plastic bag and keep them in a refrigerator, so they do not get dry. Only wash nagano Purple grapes right before consumption, they are weak to moisture. Place separated grapes in a Ziploc bag and store them in the freezer for a cool snack on warm days.

Geography/History

The arid soil of the Chikuma River bank is suitable for growing large grapes making nagano Japan's number one producer of this relatively new variety of seedless grape. Because nagano Purple grapes are so new and originate in the nagano prefecture, farmers are not permitted to grown them outside of that region. The major production occurs in Suzaka-shi, Kamitakai-gun Obuse-machi and Takayama-mura.

Seasons/Availability

Nagano Purple grapes are available in the fall.