DLJ Produce

With over 80 percent of the market, seedless grapes have become the norm in the U.S. food market. They’ve become such a mainstay that many consumers are shocked when they find a seed in a grape. Still, both types of grapes have their advantages. Whether you prefer the joys of eating a grape without spitting out the seeds or the opportunity to use nutritious grape seeds for cooking, these two types of grapes are sure to become part of your weekly shopping list.

How Do Seedless Grapes Exist?

Without seeds, plants can’t reproduce. However, science and horticulturalists have cross-breed grapes for over a century to produce a grape that’s seedless sustainable, yet has no pit. To sustain a seedless grape tree, growers slice branches from the tree and place them in water, effectively growing another tree without harming the grape supply.

Seeded grapes reproduce and grow just like any other type of plant. During processing, growers keep a certain number of grapes and use the seeds to produce another crop of trees. Unlike seedless grapes, seeded grapes don’t require any additional growing techniques to maintain. Wine grapes are the most cultivated seeded grapes in the United States and around the globe, as many vintners, or winemakers, prefer their flavor in the winemaking process.

Benefits of Seedless Grapes

If you’ve been to the supermarket recently, chances are you’ve only noticed seedless grapes. Because they’re easier and more enjoyable to eat, many consumers prefer them over seeded options.

Seedless grapes are also highly nutritious, containing phytonutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins. In a side-by-side comparison, red grapes have more nutrients than white grapes, offering higher amounts of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, flavonoids, and phytonutrients.

In one cup of red grapes, you receive:

• 27% daily value (DV) of Vitamin C.
• 28% DV of Vitamin K.
• 10% DV of copper.
• 8% DV of potassium.
• 6% DV of Vitamin B12.
• 1.1 grams of protein.
• 1.4 grams of fiber.

Add all of these nutrients together and you’ll find that grapes are a healthy way to start your day or treat yourself to a midday snack.

Benefits of Seeded Grapes

Seeded grapes are far less common than their seedless siblings, but they’re still packed with every bit as much nutrition. While many consumers are annoyed by locating, spitting out, and throwing away the seed, these grapes provide an added benefit with one caveat: you have to eat the seed.

Grape seeds are one of the most nutritious parts of the grape, containing melatonin and many of the most powerful antioxidants found on the planet. These antioxidants provide a plethora of benefits such as lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol, and preventing heart disease.

Eating grape seeds is all about your individual preference and taste. Some people extract them before eating, but to get all the nutrition, simply move them aside with your tongue and swallow them whole. If you bite into them, you’ll get a bitter sensation, which many believe has a complimentary taste to balance the sweetness of the grapes. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can also save the grape seeds and turn them into grapeseed oil, which is ideal for all types of cooking.

While seeded grapes may have the slight edge in nutrition, seedless grapes offer a hassle-free way to enjoy consumption. Whichever one you choose, your body will thank you.

DLJ Produce is a nationwide grape supplier and home to Razzle Red seedless grapes and Dazzle green seedless grapes fresh from California. Rely on us for fresh produce all year long.