Grapes are a beloved fruit, ranking as the third most purchased in the U.S.
They’re enjoyed fresh and in various forms such as juice, jam, jelly, vinegar, dried varieties, grape seed extract, and grape seed oil.
This versatility, combined with ideal growing conditions in numerous countries, has made grapes one of the world's most economically significant crops. Here are some intriguing facts about this globally cherished fruit!
1. Grapes Can Be Turned into Synthetic Leather
In the search for eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic leather, an Italian company called Vegea has created a sustainable material made from grape. This biodegradable fabric is made from the pomace (skins, seeds, and stems) of grapes, which are typically discarded. It’s a greener option compared to traditional synthetic leather made from petroleum-based products.
2. Grapes Are Toxic to Pets
Grapes, along with raisins, currants, and sultanas, are highly toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure, which may prove fatal. Even small amounts can have severe effects, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive thirst. The exact cause of this toxicity is still unclear, but a compound called tartaric acid in grapes has been identified as a major factor.
3. Table Grapes and Grapes Are Different
While all grapes belong to the same family, table grapes and those used in production have distinct characteristics. Table grapes are larger, juicier, and have thinner skins, making them perfect for fresh consumption. In contrast, grapes used for other purposes have thicker skins and seeds, which contribute to their stronger flavor.
4. China Leads in Grape Production and Consumption
Thanks to it's ideal growing conditions, China has been cultivating grapes for more than 2,000 years. Today, China not only leads the world in grape consumption—accounting for over half of global consumption but also in production. The country’s table grape production is expected to exceed 12 million tons in 2022-2023, making it the world’s largest producer.
5. Grapes Have Been Eaten by Humans for Over 22,000 Years
Research has shown that grapes were being foraged by humans long before they were cultivated. A study of grape genomes found that wild and domesticated varieties diverged around 22,000 years ago, likely due to human influence.
6. Grapes May Be the First Fruit Domesticated by Humans
Grapes may have been the first fruit species that humans actively domesticated. Archaeological evidence suggests that humans in the Middle East were growing grapes as far back as 6000 BCE. More recently, genetic studies show that grapevines were likely domesticated independently in two different regions—western Asia and the Caucasus around 11,000 years ago.
7. Most Popular Varieties Come from One Grape Species
The vast majority of popular grape varieties worldwide come from a single species, Vitis vinifera. This species is responsible for a large portion of the world’s grape production, including the well-known varieties such as Concord and Muscadine. While native North American species have been used for grape production, Vitis vinifera remains the dominant species worldwide due to it's high sugar content, moderate acidity, and ability to thrive in a range of climates.
8. Grapes Thrive in Unique Environments
Grapes are typically associated with picturesque vineyards in places like Napa Valley or Tuscany, but they also grow in some extraordinary and unexpected environments. For example, the volcanic landscape of La Geria in Lanzarote, Spain, was transformed by an eruption in the 1730s.
9. Early Grapes Had Less Color Variety
Modern grapes come in a wide range of colors, from green and yellow to deep purple and black. This diversity is due to the presence of anthocyanins, pigments that determine grape color. However, ancestral grapes were likely all a dark shade, similar to modern wild grapes. Over generations, humans selectively bred grapes for different colors, leading to the varied hues we see today.
10. A Pest Almost Destroyed Global Grape Crops
In the 1850s, a pest called grape phylloxera, native to North America, spread to Europe and devastated vineyards across the continent. This aphid-like insect attacked the roots of grapevines, causing widespread destruction, particularly in France. Despite desperate attempts to stop the spread, the damage was extensive.
11. Hybrid Grape Growing is Rising Due to Climate Change
As climate change causes more extreme weather patterns, the need for hardier grape varieties has increased. Hybrid grape varieties, which combine the qualities of different species, are gaining popularity. These hybrids are more resistant to diseases, pests, and weather-related challenges like sudden cold snaps and flooding.
12. Grape Breeders Are Innovating with New Varieties
While traditional grape breeding was done by farmers selecting the best vines, today, grape breeding is an advanced scientific field. Horticultural scientists and geneticists use techniques like hybridization and controlled pollination to create new grape varieties. These methods help produce grapes with improved qualities, such as better disease resistance, higher yields, and better fruit quality.
13. The Largest Grape Variety is the Kyoho
The Kyoho grape, a hybrid variety originating in Japan in 1937, is one of the largest and most popular types of grape worldwide. A cross between the Centennial and Ishiharawase varieties, the Kyoho grape grows up to 2–4 centimeters (about 1–1.6 inches) in size and has dark violet to almost black skin.
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Video by Horizons Health
