Table of Contents
Grapes
Introduction
Grapes are a very versatile and nutritious fruit, which can be consumed fresh or in the form of wine, jam, raisins, etc. They are a good source of vitamin C and other nutrients, such as iron, calcium and potassium. They also contain antioxidants, such as resveratrol, which may have health benefits.
Grapes are grown in many parts of the world, and there are many different varieties, with different shapes, colors and flavors. Some of the most common varieties are black grapes, green grapes and red grapes.
How many grape varieties do we have in Spain?
Many varieties of grapes are grown in Spain, both for fresh consumption and for winemaking. Some of the best known varieties are:
- White grape: It is mainly used for the production of dry and sweet white wines, such as Xarello and Parellada. It can also be consumed fresh.
- Black grape: It is used both for the production of red wines and for fresh consumption. Some of the best known varieties are Tempranillo, Garnacha and Monastrell.
- Red grape: It is mainly used for the production of red wines and for fresh consumption. Some of the best known varieties are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
- Green grape: It is mainly used for the production of dry and sweet green wines, such as Albarín and Godello. It can also be consumed fresh.
There are many other grape varieties grown in Spain, each with its own characteristics and uses. Some of the best known varieties are Macabeo, Verdejo, Moscatel and Malvasia.
How are the grapes harvested?
The grapes are harvested manually or by using specialized machines. The method of harvesting depends on several factors, such as the type of grape, the size of the plot and the climatic conditions. Below are some of the most common methods of grape picking:
- Manual harvesting: grapes are picked by hand, using baskets or buckets to transport them. This form of harvesting is slower, but allows the grapes to be carefully selected to ensure their quality and not to select under-ripe or over-ripe grapes.
- Mechanical harvesting: Specialized machines are used to harvest the grapes quickly and efficiently. Some of the most common methods are brush picking or mechanical hand picking. These methods are faster than manual harvesting, but can damage the grapes if not used properly. In short, they tend to generate more waste.
It is important to keep in mind that grapes are a very delicate fruit and must be handled with care to avoid damaging them. In addition, local rules and regulations must be followed to ensure the safety and quality of the grapes. There are many appellations of origin throughout Spain.
Grape transport
How are grapes transported?
Grapes are usually transported in wicker or plastic boxes or baskets. Generally, grapes are usually stocked in plastic boxes when they come from the field, to be transferred to the aforementioned wooden, cardboard or plastic boxes once they have been packed. It is important that the grapes are kept at a temperature between 1 and 3 degrees Celsius during transport to avoid damage. Within the European territory they are usually transported by trucks, it is very important that the transport is kept at a controlled temperature during the journey.
It should be noted that in some cases, refrigerated containers can be used to transport grapes over long distances from exporting countries such as Chile or South Africa, among others. These containers, or reefers, keep the temperature of the grapes in a suitable range during transport and can help prolong their shelf life. These varieties are usually harvested with their ripening cycle incomplete in order to finish ripening during transport to Europe or other destinations.
In Antonio Marco we have 50 years of experience in this sector, we ensure the transport of goods such as grapes at controlled temperature to preserve the best quality until it reaches its destination.we know that it is essential to take measures to avoid damaging the grapes during transport, as this may affect its quality and freshness at the time of consumption.
Below are some recommendations for the proper handling of this fruit:
Grape preservation
How to keep fresh grapes as long as possible?
To keep fresh grapes as long as possible in your refrigerated storage, it is important to take into account some factors:
- Store grapes at a temperature between -1 and 1 degree Celsius.
- Control humidity: Grapes need relative humidity between 90 and 95%.
- Protect grapes from light.
- Ensure good air circulation in the cold storage room.
If you follow these steps, you will be able to keep fresh grapes as long as possible in your grape logistics warehouse.
of grapes.
Christmas tradition of grapes
Where does the tradition of the 12 grapes originate? What is the meaning of grapes on New Year’s Eve?
The tradition of the 12 lucky grapes has its roots in Spain, although it has spread to other countries in Latin America and Europe. It consists of eating 12 grapes at midnight on December 31, one for each chime of the New Year’s Eve celebration. It is said that eating the 12 lucky grapes brings good fortune for the coming year.
There are different dates and versions of this tradition. This custom dates back to the 19th century, when the Spanish bourgeoisie ate grapes and toasted with champagne to start the year. However, popular belief places its origin in the New Year’s Eve of 1909. It was in this year when there was a surplus of grapes in Alicante, so the distributors were forced to make a titanic effort to increase sales.
To this end, a popular legend was created in which good luck was related to eating twelve grapes on New Year’s Eve. By means of this commercial strategy, this type of grape variety became an everlasting part of the New Year’s Eve celebration and packs of 12 grapes were sold already prepared to welcome the change of the year.
How should the 12 grapes be eaten?
To eat the 12 lucky grapes, you can follow the following steps:
Prepare 12 grapes and place them on a plate or in a bag. Be sure to choose fresh and good quality grapes.
Wait for the New Year’s celebration to begin and for the first chimes to ring.
Start eating one grape each time a bell rings. Try to eat all the grapes before the last chime is over.
Enjoy the celebration and the good fortune that the 12 lucky grapes will bring you.
It is important to remember that this is just a tradition and there is no “right” way to eat the 12 lucky grapes. Each person can follow this tradition in the way they like best.