Fruits have long held a place of prominence on our plates. Whether enjoyed plain as a snack, tossed into salads, blended into smoothies or baked into desserts, we love them for their vibrant color, natural sweetness, hydrating qualities and abundance of nutrients.
Grapes are among America’s favorite fruits, ranking just behind bananas, berries and apples, according to the International Fresh Produce Association's list of the top 20 fruits and vegetables sold in the United States.
“People love grapes for being a sweet and healthy treat that provide a great source of fiber, antioxidants and key nutrients,” says Kristina Cooke, a licensed nutritionist and registered dietitian with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Their simplicity is also appealing – just rinse and pop a few in your mouth. And grapes have the added advantage of serving as the foundation for raisins, juice and of course, wine.
Here’s a look at how many varieties of grapes exist, why the fruit is so good for you and when moderation still matters.
Estimates vary, but reports indicate there are some 10,000 distinct grapevine varieties cultivated worldwide. That includes grapes used for wine, table consumption, raisins and juice production – though only a small percentage are commercially significant.
