Grapes

Grapes are one of the most popular fruits among kids and adults alike. They come in various colours such as green, white, red, black and purple. When it comes to species, there are over 10,000 species of wine grapes. The most common grape variety is the Common Grape Vine which is purple in colour and known as Vitis vinifera scientifically. Botanically, grapes are berries.

Grapes grow on a vine and its stem becomes hard like a trunk with time since the vine can lasts for more than 30 years producing fruits. The leaves of grapes are also edible and are used in making dishes in Mediterranean cuisine. Grapes have a long history dating back to the ancient civilizations. Since the times of Egyptian, Roman and Greek civilizations, grapes have been cultivated to use as a table fruit and also to produce grape wine. Countries in Europe like Spain, Georgia, Armenia, Italy and France are popular for their grapes and wines. European nations have popularized grapes among other countries like the USA, Australia and South Africa.

China, the USA, Italy, France and Spain are the main grape producers of the world while Spain, France, Italy, Turkey and the USA are the main grape wine producers. The species of grapes which are popular as table fruits are larger and seedless and have a thin skin whereas the fruits which are used to make vines have thick skins and have seeds inside.

In Sri Lanka, grapes are popular in jam, juice and jelly making. Raisins and sultanas are dried grapes.