What Makes Moon Drop Grapes So Special?
Moon Drop grapes, also marketed as Sweet Sapphire grapes, stand out in the produce aisle for their unusual appearance: a deep purple, almost black, color and a long, tubular shape with a dimpled end. Developed by Grapery in California, this variety is the result of natural crossbreeding and is known for its exceptional flavor and texture. Unlike some other grapes, they have a thick, snappy skin that gives way to a firm, juicy, and completely seedless flesh. Their flavor is exceptionally sweet with a strong, concentrated grape juice quality, often compared to candy.
Versatile Ways to Enjoy Moon Drop Grapes
While simply eating them fresh is a delicious option, the crispness and intense sweetness of Moon Drops allow for many culinary applications. Here are some of the most popular and creative ways to eat them:
- Fresh Snacking: The simplest way to enjoy Moon Drops is straight off the vine. Their seedless nature and satisfying crunch make them an ideal grab-and-go snack for any time of day.
- Frozen Treats: For a cool, refreshing snack, wash and dry the grapes, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, they can be transferred to a resealable bag. Frozen grapes are perfect on their own or blended into a slushie.
- Fruit Platters and Salads: Their unique shape and dark color make Moon Drops a visually appealing addition to fruit platters and salads. They pair well with other fruits like pineapple, melons, and bananas. Toss them into a fresh salad with walnuts and goat cheese for a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
- Savory Pairings: Moon Drop grapes can also complement savory dishes. Their sweetness pairs beautifully with salty cheeses, such as blue cheese, gorgonzola, and ricotta, for a sophisticated appetizer. Sliced grapes can be added to chicken or pasta salads to provide a burst of fresh flavor.
- Roasted or Blistered: Roasting brings out and caramelizes the grapes' natural sweetness. Simply toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and rosemary before baking until they start to burst. Roasted grapes can be served with crusty bread and ricotta, as a side for roasted meats like pork or duck, or stirred into pasta dishes.
A Quick Guide to Choosing and Storing Your Grapes
To ensure you get the best experience, it's important to select and store your Moon Drops correctly. At the store, look for plump, firm grapes that are firmly attached to green, flexible stems. Avoid bunches with shriveled or soft grapes. Once home, store the unwashed bunches in a ventilated container in the refrigerator's crisper drawer for up to two weeks. Wash them only right before you plan to eat them, as moisture can speed up spoilage.
Comparing Moon Drop Grapes to Other Varieties
To understand what sets Moon Drops apart, here is a comparison with other popular grape varieties.
| Feature | Moon Drop (Sweet Sapphire) | Cotton Candy | Concord | Thompson Seedless |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shape | Long, elongated, tubular with a dimpled end. | Round to oval. | Round, slip-skin. | Small, oval. |
| Flavor | Intensely sweet, concentrated grape flavor, often compared to candy. | Unmistakable cotton candy flavor. | Classic, musky "foxy" grape flavor; used for juice and jelly. | Mildly sweet and crisp. |
| Texture | Firm, with a crispy, snappy skin and juicy flesh. | Plump with a juicy, firm bite. | Soft, gelatinous flesh with seeds. | Firm and crisp. |
| Seeds | Seedless. | Seedless. | Seeded. | Seedless. |
Creative Recipe Inspiration
Beyond the basic methods, you can get creative with Moon Drop grapes. For a refreshing summer salad, combine sliced Moon Drops with arugula, a creamy goat cheese, toasted almonds, and a simple balsamic vinaigrette. The contrasting textures and flavors create a gourmet experience. For a simple dessert, halve the grapes and toss them into a bowl with a spoonful of fresh orange juice and mint for a light, vibrant fruit salad. The possibilities are as varied as your imagination.
Conclusion
Moon Drop grapes are far more than just a novelty fruit. Their unique shape, intensely sweet flavor, and satisfyingly crisp, seedless texture make them a versatile and delicious addition to any meal or snack. Whether eaten fresh, frozen, roasted, or paired with savory ingredients, they offer a delightful culinary experience that stands out from more conventional grape varieties. Their fleeting seasonal availability, from late summer to early fall, makes them a special treat to seek out and savor. The next time you spot these unique black grapes, grab a bunch and explore all the delicious ways you can incorporate them into your kitchen. For more information on this and other specialty grape varieties, consider visiting the official Grapery website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What do Moon Drop grapes taste like? A: They have an intensely sweet, almost candy-like flavor that is often compared to a concentrated grape juice, with a hint of tartness to balance the sweetness.
Q: Are Moon Drop grapes seedless? A: Yes, one of the main appeals of Moon Drop grapes is that they are completely seedless, making them a great option for fresh eating and cooking.
Q: Do you need to peel Moon Drop grapes before eating? A: No, the skin of Moon Drop grapes is thin and perfectly edible. It provides a satisfying snap when bitten.
Q: How can you tell if Moon Drop grapes are ripe? A: Ripe Moon Drops will be firm to the touch, have a deep purple or almost black color, and be securely attached to green stems.
Q: What are some creative recipes using Moon Drop grapes? A: Beyond snacking, you can use them in roasted savory dishes with cheese and herbs, add them to fruit and green salads, or freeze them to create a simple and healthy dessert.
Q: Where can you find Moon Drop grapes? A: They are a specialty grape variety typically available from late summer through the fall at major grocery stores like Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Kroger, and others that carry Grapery products.
Q: How should I store Moon Drop grapes? A: Store unwashed bunches in a ventilated container or the crisper drawer of your refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to two weeks.
Q: Are Moon Drop grapes genetically modified (GMO)? A: No, Moon Drop grapes are not GMO. They are the result of natural crossbreeding and careful cultivation.
Citations
[ { "title": "Moon Drop Grapes: Everything You Need to Know | Inquirer", "url": "https://usa.inquirer.net/118040/moon-drop-grapes-everything-you-need-to-know" }, { "title": "What Are Moon Drop Grapes? - Southern Living", "url": "https://www.southernliving.com/moon-drop-grapes-6834509" }, { "title": "Moon Drop® Grapes Information and Facts - Specialty Produce", "url": "https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Moon_Drop_Grapes_12688.php" }, { "title": "Roasted Moon Drop Grapes - Chef Abbie Gellman MS, RD, CDN", "url": "https://chefabbiegellman.com/roasted-moon-drop-grapes/" }, { "title": "What are moon drop grapes? - KSBY", "url": "https://www.ksby.com/what-are-moon-drop-grapes" }, { "title": "Moon Drop Grapes: Learn All About Long Grapes - Taste of Home", "url": "https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/moon-drop-grapes/" } ]
