If you love grapes, you may have stumbled upon the sweet and whimsical world of cotton candy grapes. You might be wondering how this combination came about, and whether it’s all just a figment of your imagination. After all, we all know what cotton candy is about, and so how does cotton candy and grapes come together?
Well, these grapes are as real as any other grape you’ve ever tasted. History has it that when they first came to the market some time back in 2013, they received a cult-like welcome and apparently sold out before they even arrived on grocery shelves. They are now famous everywhere, including social media.
Let’s unbox the magic!
What are cotton candy grapes?
Simply put, cotton candy grapes are grapes that taste like cotton candy. These grapes have a unique flavor that resembles the sweetness and cotton candy flavor that is often found at fairs and carnivals. They are typically round, green, and seedless, and were first developed by fruit breeder David Cain, a former USDA scientist.
They have become increasingly popular in recent years, and they are now available in many grocery stores across the United States during their growing season, which typically runs from August to September.
How are cotton candy grapes made?
The cotton candy grapes are created by cross-pollinating wild and conventional species of grape species. This process has been put to use since time immemorial, so it’s not something that is out of this world.
The process itself is a long and meticulous one, taking several years to perfect. Breeders start by selecting parent grapes that have the desired traits, such as sweetness and juiciness, and cross-pollinating them in a controlled environment. The resulting seeds are then grown into young grapevines, which are carefully monitored and tested for their flavor and texture.
Once the grape breeders have identified the vines with the most promising characteristics, they clone them and grow them on a larger scale. Over time, the grapevines are refined and tested until the perfect cotton candy flavor is achieved.
It’s worth noting that cotton candy grapes are not genetically modified. They are created using natural breeding techniques, so you can enjoy them with peace of mind.
The patent for the grape variety that tastes like cotton candy is currently held by Grapery, the US based grapes grower and distributor.
Places to find and buy cotton candy grapes
Besides Grapery, you can find cotton candy grapes in grocery stores near you during their growing season, which as we said runs from August to September. Here is a list of common stores that may carry cotton candy grapes:
- Grapery
- Whole Foods Market
- Trader Joe’s
- Costco
- Walmart
- Target
- Kroger
- Publix
- Safeway
- Albertsons
- Sam’s Club
- Amazon
It’s worth noting that not all locations of these stores may carry cotton candy grapes, and availability may vary by region.
Based on Grapery’s availability calendar, their cotton candy grapes season is specifically between Mid-September to Early September.
Also Check: Export Analysis of US Grape Prices
Cotton candy grapes nutrition
These grapes generally bear the nutritional content of the typical grape. Here are the approximate micronutrients per a cup of cotton candy grapes, for some of the common micronutrients:
- Calories: 100
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0.2 grams
- Carbohydrates: 27 grams
- Fiber: 1.4 grams
- Vitamin C: 16 milligrams (27% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin K: 22 micrograms (28 % of the DV)
- Manganese: 0.1 milligram (5% of the DV)
- Potassium: 288 milligrams (8% of the DV)
- Copper: 0.2 milligram (10% of the DV)
Please note that the nutrient content may vary depending on the specific variety and growing conditions, and the information provided is an estimate based on average values.
FAQs about cotton candy grapes
Are cotton candy grapes genetically modified?
No, cotton candy grapes are not genetically modified (GM). They are created through a natural breeding process known as cross-pollination or hybridization, which involves the selective breeding of different grape varieties with desirable traits to create a new variety with specific characteristics. This process is not considered to be genetic modification, as it involves only the mixing of genes from related plant species and does not involve the use of genetic engineering techniques to introduce foreign genetic material.
What is so special about cotton candy grapes?
Cotton Candy grapes are unique because they have a flavor that resembles the sweetness and taste of cotton candy, achieved through a careful breeding process that combines different grape varieties. Their popularity among consumers is due to their distinctive flavor and appearance, and they have generated buzz in the food industry.
Are cotton candy grapes healthy?
Yes. They are a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as potassium, magnesium, and fiber among other important nutrients. However, cotton candy grapes, like most fruits, are also high in natural sugars and carbohydrates, which should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It’s important to remember that while these grapes may be a tasty treat, they should not replace other important food groups in a balanced diet, such as protein, vegetables, and whole grains.
Why do cotton candy grapes taste like candy?
They taste like candy due to the natural breeding process that combines grape varieties with high sugar content and similar flavor profiles to create a new variety that is sweeter and more flavorful than traditional grape varieties. This results in a grape variety that has a unique flavor resembling the sweetness and taste of cotton candy. Additionally, the grapes have a lower acidity than other grape varieties, which contributes to their candy-like flavor.
What is the average price of cotton candy grapes?
The average retail price of cotton candy grapes in the United States is around $10 – $15 per kilo or $5 – $7 per pound.