Bookmark this guide before you shop for grapes at the store.
Our Guide to the Most Popular Grape Varieties for Eating
Updated on Feb. 13, 2023
If you’re a fan of fruit, you’ve probably had your fair share of grapes. They’re plump, juicy and naturally sweet, which may explain why they’re one of America’s best-selling fruits. Plus, they’re extremely versatile—able to shine in both sweet and savory dishes. But before you dive into one of our gorgeous grape recipes, let’s learn a little bit more about the grape varieties you may find at the store.
Triple Fruit FreezeThese pops won't turn your tongue blue or neon green like many store-bought pops because they're made with fresh grapes, blueberries and kiwifruit. —Colleen Ludovice, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Spinach Fruit SaladThe unexpected matchups in this spinach fruit salad make a winning team. Feta with oranges, grapes and walnuts? Who knew? But we're glad someone did.
Fruit SkewersFruit skewers made with fresh fruit, cheese and a cinnamon yogurt dip will become a regular snack for every potluck, barbecue and game-day party.
Grape SaladThis grape salad has it all: juicy grapes, creamy dressing, crunchy pecans and a sweet brown sugar topping. It’s kid-friendly and perfect for potlucks.
Pickled GrapesNo sour grapes here! Easy to make and even easier to eat, pickled grapes are a versatile way to preserve fruit and add a savory surprise to your dishes.
Broccoli Grape SaladWhether you need to liven up your dinner menu or prep for a potluck, broccoli grape salad blends sweet and savory flavors and acts as a side dish or a main, if you add protein. (Bonus: It includes bacon!)
Chicken Salad CroissantsThis tempting chicken salad that gets its special taste from Swiss cheese and pickle relish. It's a favorite of my brother, who insists I make it whenever he visits. —Laura Koziarski, Battle Creek, Michigan
Lime-Honey Fruit SaladNothing is more refreshing to me than a seasonal fruit salad enhanced with this simple honey-lime dressing. —Victoria Shevlin, Cape Coral, Florida
Balsamic Steak with Red Grape RelishI love how steak marinated in balsamic vinaigrette goes so well with a relish of red grapes and blue cheese. Everything looks gorgeous on the plate. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
Orange-Drizzled Grape TartletsSugar cookie dough and cream cheese make it easy to build a crunchy, tangy tartlet featuring lush seasonal grapes. —Julie Sterchi, Jackson, Missouri
Tequila Vinaigrette with GreensHere’s a zingy vinaigrette with Southwestern flair. We serve it with added toppings like apples, mandarin oranges, feta cheese and candied walnuts. —Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin
Grape AppetizerImagine an appetizer that's both sweet and salty, looks like a cheese ball and is small enough to enjoy in one bite. Our grape appetizer is just that: a seedless grape surrounded by creamy cheese and coated in toasted almonds.
Cool & Crunchy Chicken SaladWhen the weather sizzles, get your chill on with a cool chicken salad. Mine uses grapes, pecans and celery for that signature crunch. —Sarah Smiley, Bangor, Maine
Cranberry Waldorf SaladCranberries grow in the coastal area about 50 miles from our home. When they become available, I always make this creamy salad. —Faye Huff, Longview, Washington
Apple Pear Salsa with Cinnamon ChipsFor a unique treat that's always a hit at fall get-togethers, try this easy appetizer. The salsa is packed with crunchy apples, grapes and pears, which are so fun to scoop up with crisp cinnamon chips. —Courtney Fons, Brighton, Michigan
Waldorf Turkey PitasLiving in New York City means not having a lot of time to prepare meals. This recipe is quick, easy and healthy, making it perfect for my lifestyle. —Kevin Sobotka, Staten Island, New York
Pina Colada Carrot SaladThis sweet carrot salad, with pina colada yogurt, macadamia nuts and green grapes, has a tropical theme. Just mix and chill out. —Emily Tyra, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Roasted Grape CrostiniA trip to Spain introduced me to its culinary treasures, like Manchego cheese and sherry. This appetizer always impresses folks who’ve never tasted roasted grapes. They're amazing. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
Overnight Fruit SaladI first tasted this rich, old-fashioned fruit salad at my wedding reception many years ago. The ladies who did the cooking wouldn't share the recipe at the time, but eventually I got it. I've made it for many meals, and our daughters copied the recipe when they married. —Eileen Duffeck, Lena, Wisconsin
Chicken Salad with GrapesBored with the usual turkey sandwich? This easy chicken salad with grapes recipe is anything but boring! Shredded rotisserie chicken is dressed in a creamy dressing and tossed with juicy grapes, crunchy celery and chopped pecans.
Types of Grapes
You probably think of grapes as red, green or black, but more formally they’re categorized into three major groups: table, juice and wine.
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- Table grapes have thin skins, are ideal for snacking and are best consumed when fresh. Fold them into this supreme salad!
- Juice grapes have a thick skin that peels off very easily. They’re most commonly used for jelly or jam.
- Wine grapes are best for—what else?—making wine. They are extremely sweet (sweeter than table grapes), have a thick skin and contain an abundance of seeds. We bet you have a bottle or two of this grape product on hand. Learn what food to pair it with, here.
Grape Varieties
Breaking it down even further, there are more than 85 varieties of grapes grown in California alone. Who knew? Here are some of the most popular ones and their defining traits.
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- Thompson seedless: green, fairly big, perfect for raisins
- Flame seedless: red, round, crunchy
- Concord: dark purple, round, bold grape flavor
- Ruby seedless: deep red, oval, juicy
- Moon Drop: almost black, long in length, crisp, sweet
- Cotton Candy: green, oval, sweet, candylike (get more details!)
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How to Pick the Best Ones
Before you place any container of grapes into your grocery cart, keep an eye out for a few specific characteristics to ensure you’re getting the best-tasting ones. Choose grapes that are plump with consistent color and green stems. After purchasing, be sure to keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll remain fresh for 10 days in a container with good circulation. They also store well in the freezer and make a refreshing frozen treat.
Psst! When frozen, many grapes taste exactly like Popsicles, but are much healthier without the added sugar. They also make a smart replacement for ice, as they won’t dilute your drink. You’ll definitely win hostess points for that one! Learn more genius ways to serve grapes, here.
Grapes in Savory Dishes
Grapes taste great in hearty, meat-based dishes as they provide a strong contrast in flavor. If you’re a fan of sweet and salty flavors, try these recipes.
Grapes in Sweet Dishes
Grapes add a burst of juicy, fresh flavor to every dish. While blueberries, cherries and strawberries are go-to ingredients for pies and parfaits and as toppings, we recommend replacing them with grapes for a little variety that will totally surprise you and your guests. Here are our favorite recipes:
By now, you’re a grape expert, so go ahead and share this knowledge (and a yummy grape recipe!) with friends and family.
Hungry for more fruitful tidbits? George Washington and the cherry tree may be a lie, but these cherry facts are full of truth.
