FoodFood InformationFruitGrapes
The Italia is an improved Muscatel grape (improved in looks
but not in flavor). The Muscatel, which is the sweetest of all the varieties
of table grapes, is very fragile and tends to turn amber in color when it
reaches full maturity. This amber, almost brown, coloring doesn't appeal
to the less knowledgeable shopper. The Italia is a type of Muscatel that
retains its green skin color and has replaced the amber Muscatel as a table
grape. It has large, round, pale-green berries and a sweet, full-bodied
flavor. The Italias arrive in August and wind up in October. This variety
is definitely worth trying even if you aren't too keen on grapes that have
seeds. They are highly prized in Europe. As a rule they aren't imported
from Chile because they are too fragile to make the long sea journey.
The Almeria is a variety that is being phased out. It has medium
sized light green and amber berries. The bunches are small and scraggly
and the flavor is mild. The Almeria has been replaced by the more attractive,
better flavored Calmeria variety.
The Calmeria variety features elongated, slender, light green or
golden berries. This gracefully shaped variety is sometimes called the Lady
Finger grape. The Calmeria has a fine, mild, sweet flavor, a rather tough
skin, and very few seeds. They arrive in October and last through February.
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