Grapes in
Foodservice

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Grapes in Foodservice

Grapes from California are an important staple in foodservice kitchens today. Why? Because fresh grapes are:

Red Grapes

Versatile

fresh, roasted, grilled, sautéed and even pickled

Grape and chicken skewers

Compatible

with greens, grains, seafood, poultry and more

Bowl of Grapes

Beautiful

colorful green, red and black varieties

Green grapes on vine

Healthy

a natural source of antioxidants and other polyphenols

California Table Grapes box of grapes

Readily available

May through January

Frozen Grapes

Balanced

sweetness plus acidity

Grapes and rosemary

Delicious

bursting with juicy flavor

Black Grapes bunch

Convenient

always ripe and ready to use

Within this website are ideas and recipes courtesy of the California Table Grape Commission and fellow foodservice professionals.  Also included is information about grapes and health, downloadable brochures, recipe cards and more! 

21 Ways To Use Grapes

Explore the versatility of grapes with these 21 clever ways to use grapes on menus. From grilling to pickling, to roasting and even smoking them, Grapes from California enliven the menu, elevate the fun, and accent the plate.

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Healthier Menus

California Grapes Make Healthy Menus Easy! In the current culture of health and wellness, more and more consumers are seeking healthy options. Fresh grapes from California are naturally healthy and can help create “better – for – you” menu offerings.

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garnish & decorate

GRAPES ON
THE MENU

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Additional Learning

Crates if red grapes

Storage & Handling

Grapes keep very well – up to two weeks – when stored and handled properly. Here are some tips to keep grapes in the best condition possible.

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Green Grapes

Varieties & Availability

Grapes from California are available nearly year-round, from May through January. The growing season is long, with two grape-growing regions that have hot, dry summers and falls, allowing the vineyards to bask in sunshine that develops full bunches of large, plump and sweet fruit. The harvest starts in the southernmost Coachella Valley and moves northward into the San Joaquin Valley, where grapes can be harvested into December.

There are 80 varieties of California grapes, each with a personality all its own.

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Bacon wrapped grapes

Foodservice Resources

Looking for inspiration? Tap into some valuable resources for new ideas featuring fresh Grapes from California.

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Recipes
to Inspire

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Seasonalideas

FRESH AND FIT FOR SPRING AND SUMMER

  • Add a unique signature entrée salad or sandwich with grapes to offerings.
  • Highlight seasonal veggies with a grape accent, such as asparagus with a fresh grape relish.
  • Serve Fresh Grape Salsa and Black Grape Margaritas for a fun fiesta!
  • Capitalize on the classic combination of grapes and seafood: salmon, crab and prawns offer an array of culinary opportunities with grapes.
  • Offer grapes as a fresh side accompaniment to burgers and sandwiches – a refreshing option to french fries and chips.
  • Launch Grab ‘n Go Grapes, packaged for takeout.  Click here for tips on merchandising for the greatest impact.
  • Put grapes on the salad bar, either loose as a salad topper or in clusters.
  • Include grapes as the fresh fruit option for catered boxed lunches.
  • Boost bar tabs with a signature cocktail that features fresh grapes.
  • Fresh grapes on the Kids’ Menu will be popular with both kids and parents.

FINESSING YOUR FALL AND WINTER MENUS

  • Roasted grapes offer a rich intensity that complements an array of meats and poultry.  Click here to get inspired.
  • Innovative appetizers feature the classic combination of grapes and cheese in new ways: perhaps pizzettas with gorgonzola, roasted garlic and grapes or bruschetta topped with smoked chicken, fontina cheese and grapes.
  • Hearty entrée salads with intense flavors are balanced with grapes in the mix of ingredients.
  • Seasonal side salads are an easy way to incorporate grapes: spinach, pancetta, grapes and shredded parmesan or shaved Brussels sprouts with grapes, fennel and bacon.
  • Provide “bountiful harvest” packs of Grab ‘n Go grapes that contain all three colors – green, red and black.
  • Upgrade your sandwich offerings with Smoked Turkey, Cashew and Grape filling, or Tuna Salad with Grapes and Tarragon dressing.
  • Enhance whole grains such as quinoa, farro and wheatberries, with fresh grapes and a signature vinaigrette for delicious and good-for-you salads.
  • Create snack combos or small plates that feature grapes with cheese and crackers, or hummus and pita chips.
  • Roast robust veggies such as cauliflower or brussels sprouts with grapes for a satisfying combination of flavors and textures.

GRAPEterms

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ABOUT California TABLE GRAPES

Californians have been cultivating grapes for more than two centuries. Today, 99 percent of U.S. table grapes are produced in California's warm, dry climate that is ideal for grape growing. With 90 grape varieties grown, California grapes come in three colors—green, red, and black—and are in season from May through January.


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