Champagne Grape, Miniature Sized

Champagne Grapes are super-sweet, extra-small “table grapes” meaning they are for eating, not used to make wine. It’s contrary to their name. You might also see them labeled as Black Corinth Grapes or Zante Currants. Whatever you call them, they are delicious, and fun to eat!

Fun Facts
This grape is very small, sweet and bursting with flavor. Wonderful as a garnish, upon fruit and cheese trays, and in welcome and fruit baskets. There are a few varieties of grapes in under the champagne grape umbrella but the most common are the Black Corinth, the smallest variety of seedless grapes. Not only are they seedless but the tiny stems are often quite tender and more suitable for eating than trying to pluck the tiny grapes off, one-by-one.

Origin
Believed to have originated in Western Asia, they are one of the oldest cultivated plants and are known to have digestive and therapeutic properties. For thousands of years, they were grown solely to produce wine. Today, grapes are also specially harvested for eating and for drying to make raisins. How appropriate and fitting to call these specialty grapes "champagne." Actually, a variety called Zante Currant or Black Corinth, (named after the Greek city where they were grown more than 2,000 years ago), Champagne Grapes were reintroduced to the food service industry in the early 1980's when mini-vegetables were becoming popular. These delectable little fruits are crunchy with a sweet flavor and unique appearance.

How to Eat
Eat fresh in bunches or serve as a garnish. Makes a wonderful addition to fruit, cheese, and cracker plates or on the rim of Champagne or beverage glasses.

Storage & Handling
Grapes should be stored between 0° - 2° C (32° - 36° F). Relative Humidity - 90 to 98% After discarding any overripe grapes, refrigerate, unwashed, in a perforated plastic bag for up to 1 week. Maintain adequate air circulation during storage. Keep grapes away from ethylene-producing fruits and ripening rooms. Does not ripen further after harvest.

Nutritional Info
As with all grapes, Champagne Grapes are low in sodium, high in anti-oxidants, have food amounts of fiber, and are low in calories, with 70 per cup. Grapes do not get sweeter after picking, so color is the best indicator of ripeness and sweet flavor.

Reference:
http://www.sysco.ca/atlantic/produce_prn.cfm?docid=3565
http://www.melissas.com/Champagne-Grapes-p/405.htm
http://www.coosemansphoenix.com/products/Champagne-Grapes.html
http://www.friedas.com/champagne-grapes/