Most well known across the world and for many thousands of years as being the main ingredient in wine!  But aside from wine that has been enjoyed for cultural and religious rites and sometimes daily celebrations by some, it is a very common fruit with many varieties.

Grapes are quite high in fructose (fruit sugar) and are predominantly a carbohydrate.  They contain no fat, a small about of protein and good amount of fibre.  For those calorie counters they do contain about 100 calories per cup.

They contain very good amounts of Vitamin A and C, some B vitamins, lots of potassium, some calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, traces of iron and copper but particulary high levels of manganese.  They have some great antioxidants with most people now being familiar with resveratrol – red wine gets advertised now noting this powerful antioxidant.

Grapes can be very heavily sprayed as bugs love this sweet fruit, so buying organic is important when it comes to grapes.

Eat them on their own, in a fruit salad, throw them into regular salads for a sweetness, make jam or savoury sauces from them, use them in their dried forms as sultanas and raisins.

Right now grapes are at their absolute best in Australia so buy some while they are at their peak in flavour.