References available upon request: jperez@herbalgram.

org



VITIS VINIFERA

GRAPES
VITACEAE
NUTRIENTS
Grapes are excellent sources
of potassium, phosphorus,
vitamin C and vitamin A.
They also contain
phytochemicals such as
flavonoids, stilbenes and
phenolic acids.

HEALTH BENEFITS
Research suggests that
grape consumption could
possibly benefit those with
cancer, diabetes and
cardiovascular disease. This
is contributed to the anti-
inflammatory and
antioxidant activity of the
polyphenols.

SERVING
SUGGESTIONS
The fruit is generally sweet
and can be used as table
grapes, raisins, juice, jam,
jelly or for wine making.


THE BASICS

Grapes are perennial climbers that have coiled tendrils and large leaves. They
contain clusters of flowers that develop into small, round and juicy berries that
are perfect for snacking out of the hand. Serving as the leading fruit crop in the
world, grapes are cultivated in temperate regions, but the biggest producers are
Italy, France, Spain, United States, Mexico and Chile.
HISTORY

Grapes have been around since prehistoric times and were one of the earliest
domesticated fruit crops. Domestication took place about 5,000 years ago
somewhere between the Caspian and Black Seas and spread south to modern
day Syria, Iraq, Jordan and Egypt and then moved towards Europe. About 300
years ago, Spanish explorers introduced the grape to the United States and
California became the ideal place for grape cultivation due to its temperate
climate.
HARVESTING
Grapes do not ripen after harvesting; therefore it is important to choose well-
colored and plump berries that are wrinkle-free and still firmly attached to the
vine. Typically, they are stored in the refrigerator as freezing will decrease the
flavor. Be sure to wash well because it is common for pesticides to be used in
grape vineyards.






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Vitis Vinifera

REFERENCES
Dishing up the Dirt. Available at: http://dishingupthedirt.com/recipes/snack/rosemary-roasted-grapes-cashew-cheese-crostini/
Drool Worthy. Available at: http://www.droolworthydaily.com/drool-worthy-daily/grape-salad-with-honey-poppy-seed-dressing





ROSEMARY ROASTED GRAPES & CASHEW
CHEESE CROSTINI
Sweet & Savory Appetizer




Cashew Cheese:
1 cup raw cashews that have been soaked for at least 4 hours
1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
cup water
2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
teaspoons fine sea salt

Roasted Grapes:
1 pound seedless red grapes
3 Tablespoons olive oil
2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 rosemary sprigs minced with tough stems removed
Bread of choice
Salt and pepper to taste

Serves 10-12 toasts
Keep cashew cheese in an air-tight container in refrigerator for up
to 5 days
PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES
COOK TIME: 10-15 MINUTES
Dishingupthedirt.com
1. Make cashew cheese by placing all the ingredients
into a food processor and blend until smooth
2. Preheat oven to 400 . In a shallow baking dish mix
grapes, olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary, salt and
pepper. Place on center rack and roast 10-12
minutes or until skins are soft.
3. Place bread in oven on top rack to toast for about
3 minutes. Remove and set aside
4. Assemble crostinis by spreading cashew cheese
and top with roasted grapes. Sprinkle with salt and
a drizzle of olive oil
5. Serve warm.
GRAPE SALAD
With Honey Poppy Seed Dressing
Salad:
4 cups baby spinach
1 cup halved grapes
2 chopped celery stalks
cup slivered almonds
cup crumbled blue cheese
thinly sliced small red onion


1. Mix all dressing ingredients in a bowl
2. Set in the refrigerator to chill
3. Toss all salad ingredients in a bowl
4. Drizzle salad with dressing
droolworthydaily.com
PREP TIME: 5 MINUTES
Dressing:
cup olive oil
1 Tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons honey
teaspoon poppy seeds
Salt and pepper to taste