Table Grapes

Table grapes are grapes intended for consumption while they are fresh, as opposed to grapes grown for wine production, juice production, or for drying into raisins. Table varieties usually have lower sugar content than wine grapes and are more flavorful when eaten. For table grapes, one has over 50 varieties from which to choose. Seedless grapes tend to be preferred over those with seeds. Several varieties are well known and hold most of the market share. Of these, Thompsons and Perlettes are the most popular green-skinned grapes. Both are sweet with a tight skin and an oblong shape. Perlettes are recognizable, as they are about 30% bigger than Thompsons.

For color variety, the seedless Red Flames and Ruby grapes are quite popular. They have a taut flesh and more depth in flavor than the Thompson. Black Monnukas are seedless and have an almost black or dark blue skin when ripe. Their skin is less taut, but still provides a good crunch. They are larger and more oblong than round in shape.

Some people prefer to add color with the black-fleshed Venus. People praise Venus grapes for their sweetness, which is likened to the flavors in Muscat grapes. Venus grapes are quite large and are excellent when added to fruit salads or served as is. Because of their size, they are ideal for fruit kabobs.

If one does not mind seeds, Concords are of course a classic choice.

The top table grape varieties according to the California Table Grape Commission:

Green grapes: Perlette, Sugarone, Thompson Seedless, Calmeria
Red grapes: Flame Seedless, Red Globe, Ruby Seedless, Christmas Rose, Emperor, Rouge, Crimson Seedless, Tudor Premium Red, Cardinal
Blue-Black grapes: Beauty Seedless, Autumn Royal, Ribier, Fantasy Seedless, Marroo, Niabell

White or green grapes are sweetest when color has a yellowish cast with a tinge of amber. Red grapes are best when red predominates.