Hey there, fruit lovers! Today we’re talking about a sweet and unique treat that’s taking the fruit world by storm: Cotton Candy Grapes!
These green grapes taste just like the sugary fluff cotton candy we all love from the fairgrounds.
And before you think these grapes are some kind of Frankenstein Fruit, let me tell you, the sweet taste is not from any artificial flavors or genetic engineering. It’s all thanks to the magic of old-fashioned plant breeding.”
How is this possible? Let’s find out with PAA
Video: Cotton Candy Grapes: What is it? How much sugar is in a cotton candy grape? Is it healthy?
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What are Cotton Candy Grapes and why do they taste like Cotton Candy?
This question is answered by an article titled “Cotton Candy Grapes: The Science Behind the Sweet, Carnival Taste” published by LiveScience, which is a pop science website that publishes stories in a wide variety of topics such as Space, Animals, Health, Tech, Culture, and Planet Earth.
Accruing to this article, Cotton Candy grapes are a new breed of green grapes that taste like cotton candy. The unique flavor of the grapes is the result of plant breeding and not genetic engineering or artificial flavors.
The horticulturist in charge of fruit breeding at International Fruit Genetics in California hybridized two grape species: a Concord-like grape(which they did not disclose) and a variety of Vitis vinifera to create the Cotton Candy grape.
They are also working on breeding hybrid grapes that taste like strawberries, pineapples, and mangos. The whole process of creating a new grape hybrid can take up to 15 years and involves removing the grapes’ embryos from the plants and transferring them to individual test tubes.
Cotton Candy grapes hit supermarket shelves in 2011 and have become popular among customers looking for a sweet snack, even though they cost about $6 per lb., more than twice the price of seedless grapes in 2016.
Are Cotton Candy grapes high in sugar? Are Cotton Candy grapes healthy?
The answers to these questions are answered by an article titled “Healthy or Hype: Cotton Candy Grapes” published by NorthShore University HealthSystem which is an integrated healthcare delivery system serving patients throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.
And another article titled “The Cotton Candy Grape: A Sweet Spin On Designer Fruit” published by NPR.
According to these two articles, Cotton Candy grapes are nutritionally similar to other grapes and contain antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals,but the Cotton Candy grapes do have a slightly higher sugar content than typical store-bought grapes. However, the grapes are 100% natural and non-GMO, and are a better alternative to processed sugars for those looking for a sweet treat.
According to NPR, for every 100 grams of cotton candy grapes, there are about 18 grams of sugar, which is about 12 percent more sugar than typical store-bought grapes.
Why are Cotton Candy grapes so expensive?
The answers to these questions are answered by an article titled “Why Are Cotton Candy Grapes So Expensive?” published by Tasting Table which is a digital media company focused on food and drink.
According to this article, despite having the same nutritional benefits as other table grapes, cotton candy grapes are more expensive due to their limited season of availability, which only lasts from mid-August to late September.
This means that to meet the high demand, production has to occur within a short time frame, which drives up the price. In the past, they have been priced at around $6 per pound, but more recently, they have been spotted at big box retailers like Costco for around $3 per pound.
Are Cotton Candy grapes hard to grow?
The answer to this question is answered by an article titled “What Are Cotton Candy Grapes? Can I Grow Them? Where to Buy?” published by luv2garden.com which appears to be a gardening website.
According to this article, although it is possible to grow grapevines from the stems of supermarket grapes, the seeds of Cotton Candy grapes are not readily available for sale and the vine itself is patented and unavailable for purchase or licensing. As a result, growing Cotton Candy grapes yourself can be a challenge.
What are some books related to grapes and fruits?
If you’re specifically interested in books related to grapes and fruits, here are some titles that can offer you insights into these topics,Of course those are affiliate links but those are the books I genuinely think are interesting :
Fruit Farming:
- “The Fruit Gardener’s Bible: A Complete Guide to Growing Fruits and Nuts in the Home Garden” by Lewis Hill and Leonard Perry – This guide covers a variety of fruit, including grapes, and offers tips for planting, growing, and harvesting.
Grapes and Wine-Making:
- “The Science of Grapevines: Anatomy and Physiology” by Markus Keller – This book is a comprehensive guide to grape physiology and production. It can provide you with insights into why certain grape varieties, like Cotton Candy grapes, may be harder to grow or why they may have specific nutritional profiles.
- “Wine Science: Principles and Applications” by Ronald S. Jackson – This book offers an in-depth look at the science behind grape growing and wine production, which may give you insights into the factors affecting the cost and availability of specialized grape varieties.
- “American Wine: The Ultimate Companion to the Wines and Wineries of the United States” by Jancis Robinson and Linda Murphy (2013) – This book gives an overview of the wine industry in America, which can provide some background on grape varieties and the economics surrounding them.
Fruits and Their Health Benefits:
- “Eating on the Wild Side: The Missing Link to Optimum Health” by Jo Robinson (2013) – This book delves into the nutritional science behind various fruits and vegetables, comparing wild varieties to those bred for flavor or yield.
- “Superfoods: The Healthiest Foods on the Planet” by Tonia Reinhard (2010) – This book explores various foods, including fruits, that are extremely beneficial for health. It could give you a broad perspective on where grapes, including specialized types like Cotton Candy grapes, fit in a healthy diet.
Plant Breeding and Genetic Engineering:
- “Tomorrow’s Table: Organic Farming, Genetics, and the Future of Food” by Pamela C. Ronald and Raoul W. Adamchak – Although this book covers a broad range of crops, it does discuss genetic modification and traditional plant breeding methods, which are particularly relevant to understanding specialized fruits like Cotton Candy grapes.
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