This time of year, nothing tastes better on a warm day than a refreshing cool snack – like grapes. Delicious and good for you, California grapes are the perfect finger food but they can also be so much more. If you’re looking to treat your palate to new taste sensations, here are 10 recipes that will expand your horizons and your love of this delectable fruit.
1. Grapes of all varieties
Variety is the spice of life and snacking on grapes can invigorate your taste buds as well as please your palate. Available in red, green or black, there are over 80 varieties of fresh grapes grown in California, and each variety has its own unique characteristics and flavors. Indulge your senses and mix a variety of grapes together for new flavors in every handful.
2. Fresh Grape Salsa
For a fresh twist on a classic that will surprise and delight, use grapes instead of tomatoes: combine fresh grapes, cilantro, and chilies with some vinegar, onions and salt and pepper to make fresh grape salsa. Serve with chips or toasted crostini for a deceptively simple dish with an unforgettable flavor.
3. Green Grape Gazpacho
Turn old gazpacho recipes upside down with green grape gazpacho. Lettuce, cucumber, grapes and more combine to put a new twist on a traditional treat.
4. Refreshing Grape Agua Fresca
For a sweet warm weather beverage, whip up a grape agua fresca. Mix freshly made grape juice, sugar and lime juice together and you have a drink that may just dethrone lemonade as your summertime drink of choice. Add sparkling water for a bubbly spin.
5. Black Grape Sorbet
The perfect meal deserves the perfect dessert and black grape sorbet delivers. Pureed grapes, lemon zest, sugar and lemon juice blended and chilled for the perfect consistency. A frozen treat that is delicious and guilt-free! Who can say no to that?
6. Fresh Spring Rolls
If lighter fare is the meal choice of the day give this fresh spring roll recipe a try. Start with a sheet of rice paper, add fresh grapes, shrimp, shredded carrots and bean thread noodles. A dash of mint leaves and lemongrass give these rolls a unique zip.
7. Black Grape Margaritas
Black Grape Margaritas put a unique spin on cocktail hour. Tequila, sweet and sour and crushed ice come together with black grapes for added flavor. These beverages are sure to hit the spot on a hot day. Just don’t forget the salt.
8. Grape Daiquiris
If you’ve always preferred daiquiris over margaritas, there’s a drink for you as well. A grape daiquiri combines white rum, ice, lime juice and seedless grapes in an easy-to-create cocktail. Puree it all for two minutes and you have a delicious libation ready to savor.
9. Frosty Fresh Grape Pops
You can’t get these from the ice cream truck driver and that’s too bad – but they are fun to make at home. Frosty fresh grape pops are a cool treat for adults and kids alike and because they are made with fresh fruit they present a good-for-you option when compared to other desserts on a stick.
10. Frozen grapes
Sometimes the simplest treats are also the best. When you’re looking for an after-meal snack or a healthy option, try frozen grapes. Naturally delicious, each one is like a mini-sorbet on its own! Simply rinse, pat dry, then place your California grapes in a re-sealable bag and stash it in your freezer. Two hours later, you’ll have delectable frozen grapes to enjoy.
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