Strawberry grape is a unique fruit that offers a sweet, juicy flavor with hints of both strawberry and grape. This hybrid fruit is the product of cross-pollinating different varieties of strawberries and grapes. Strawberry grape has gained popularity in recent years as a fun and delicious treat. But is it actually good for you? Let’s take a closer look at strawberry grape and its nutritional benefits.
What is strawberry grape?
Strawberry grape is a hybrid fruit that is a genetic cross between a strawberry plant and grape vine. It is thought to have first been cultivated in Australia. The strawberry grape plant produces small fruits that resemble elongated grapes on the outside. When you bite into a strawberry grape, you taste a mix of flavors – the sweetness of a ripe strawberry combined with the slight tartness of a grape. The texture is also a hybrid between the two fruits – softly crisp like a grape, yet juicy like a strawberry when fully ripe.
There are a few different patented varieties of the strawberry grape, but the most common is the Strawberry Festival fruit. These strawberry grapes are bright red in color and grow in small clusters, similar to grapes. They are roughly the size of an average grape, about 1 inch long. The peak season for strawberry grapes runs from June through October in most regions.
Nutrition profile
How does the nutrition of strawberry grapes compare to regular strawberries and grapes? Let’s take a look:
| Nutrient | Strawberry grapes | Strawberries | Grapes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 70 per cup | 50 per cup | 100 per cup |
| Carbs | 17g per cup | 12g per cup | 27g per cup |
| Fiber | 4g per cup | 3g per cup | 1g per cup |
| Vitamin C | 70% DV per cup | 150% DV per cup | 30% DV per cup |
| Manganese | 25% DV per cup | 20% DV per cup | 5% DV per cup |
As you can see, strawberry grapes contain a blend of nutrients from both strawberries and grapes. Their calorie, carb, and fiber content falls roughly in between the two fruits. Strawberry grapes have slightly less vitamin C than strawberries, but way more than grapes. They also contain more manganese than both strawberries and grapes.
Benefits of strawberry grapes
What health perks can you get from eating strawberry grapes?
Antioxidants
Strawberry grapes contain beneficial plant compounds called polyphenol antioxidants. Research shows that antioxidants protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules linked to aging and chronic diseases. The anthocyanin antioxidants in strawberry grapes give them their red pigment and provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Vitamin C
With over 70% of your daily needs in one cup, strawberry grapes are an excellent source of immune-boosting vitamin C. Vitamin C supports collagen production, iron absorption, and immune health.
Manganese
Strawberry grapes are uniquely high in manganese, a trace mineral that aids bone health, metabolism, and nutrient absorption. Manganese also acts as an antioxidant enzyme in your body.
Fiber
The seeds and skin of strawberry grapes provide 4 grams of fiber per cup. Fiber moves through your body undigested, promoting fullness, digestive regularity, and heart health.
Potential downsides
Strawberry grapes have relatively high sugar content at around 17 grams of sugar per cup. This gives them a higher glycemic index than extremely low sugar fruits like berries. Individuals with diabetes should be mindful of portion sizes when eating strawberry grapes.
Some people may also experience mild oral allergy symptoms from eating strawberry grapes, especially in raw form. The fruit contains proteins that can trigger cross-reactivity in people with pollen allergies.
How to eat strawberry grapes
Wondering how to incorporate strawberry grapes into your diet? Here are some tasty ways to eat them:
Fresh
Enjoy strawberry grapes raw for a sweet snack or healthy dessert. Toss them into fruit salads, yogurt parfaits, or cottages cheese.
Smoothies
Blend strawberry grapes into smoothies along with banana, milk, Greek yogurt, and ice. The grapes add natural sweetness.
Salads
Slice strawberry grapes in half and add them to green, grain, pasta, or chicken salads. They pair well with tangy dressings.
Baked goods
Chop and fold whole strawberry grapes into muffins, scones, tarts, or quick breads before baking.
Jams and jellies
Cook strawberry grapes into sweet jam. Or blend them into fruit jelly to spread on toast or mix into yogurt.
Juice
Juice strawberry grapes with apple, celery, lemon, and ginger for a refreshing beverage.
Where to buy strawberry grapes
You can find fresh strawberry grapes at many grocery stores, farmers markets, and fruit stands when they are in season during the summer months. Major grocery store chains like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Kroger often carry them. Strawberry grapes are also sometimes available from online retailers that deliver fruit.
Since they are a specialty fruit, strawberry grapes tend to be on the more expensive side. Expect to pay around $3 to $6 per pint. You may be able to find them for less per pound at farmers markets and farm stands. Strawberry grapes are a novel fruit, so take the opportunity to enjoy them fresh when you can find them!
The bottom line
Strawberry grapes offer a fun twist on standard grapes with their sweet, juicy strawberry-like flavor. They provide a range of health benefits thanks to their fiber, vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidant content. Strawberry grapes make the perfect healthy summer snack and can be enjoyed in both raw and cooked preparations. While they are higher in sugar than most fruits, they can be incorporated into a balanced diet in moderation. Keep an eye out for these unique fruits at your grocery store or farmers market during peak season to add something new to your fruit bowl.