FoodFood InformationFruitGrapes
The Perlettes are the first grapes of the season. They are grown
in the desert like areas of California and arrive in market in early May.
They are round in shape and light green in color. They have a tender skin
and when firm and fresh are very crisp and crunchy in texture. When they
have high color (yellow rather than green), they are very sweet in flavor.
When they are jade green in color, they are tart enough to curl your teeth.
The California Perlettes are in market for only six to eight weeks. We also
get Chilean Perlettes in December and January.
The Superior Seedless is a very tasty new variety. It is produced
by only one grower who has been granted a patent. These grapes arrive late
in May and have a short six-to-eight-week season. The berry is fairly elongated
and has a very crisp texture and a tender skin. When it has high color (yellow),
it is very sweet. Since they are produced by only one grower, the quality
control is usually excellent. However, the demand exceeds the limited supply
and Superior Seedless grapes usually command top prices.
The Thompson Seedless is America's, and probably the world's, favorite
variety. In Europe they are known as Sultana grapes. The Thompson
has a fairly good-sized, elongated berry and a tender skin. The ones from
California arrive in June and wind up in November. In mid-January the Chilean
Thompsons arrive and are available until the end of May.
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