Fruit of the Month – Grapes – September

Discover the timeless charm and versatility of grapes – a fruit with a history dating back thousands of years, an astonishing variety of types, and an abundance of health benefits. Grapes have an ancient history that dates back to ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece. They were not only eaten as delicious fruits but also used to make wine, which was an important aspect of various ancient cultures. The grape has a rich significance in human history, both as food and in religious and cultural rituals.

With over 8,000 different grape varieties worldwide, there is an enormous variation in taste, size, color, and texture. Some grapes are meant to be eaten fresh, while others are primarily used for making wine or dried into raisins. This diversity makes grapes a beloved choice in various culinary applications.

In addition to their delicious taste, grapes also offer numerous health benefits. They are rich in nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K, and various minerals. Moreover, grapes have a high water content and contain fiber, which can help hydrate the body and promote healthy digestion.

Enjoy the sweet taste and countless varieties of grapes, and be inspired by their rich history and nutritional value. Grapes are not only a delicious treat but also a healthy addition to your diet and lifestyle.

Some tasty recipes

Grape Crumble

Ingredients for 4 people:

  • 400g blue grapes
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 100g flour
  • 4 tbsp sugar

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
  2. Cut the grapes in half. Reserve about 10 halves for garnish.
  3. Mix the lemon juice with the grapes and divide into 4 separate ovenproof dishes.
  4. Mix the flour with the butter and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Divide this mixture over the grapes and bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
  5. Mix the remaining half grapes with 2 tablespoons of sugar.
  6. Remove the crumbles from the oven and distribute the sugared grapes over the dishes just before serving.

 

Recipe from De Colruyt: https://www.colruyt.be/nl/lekker-koken/recept/crumble-met-druiven

Grape Focaccia

Ingredients for 12 people:

  • 150ml milk
  • 150ml water
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 11g yeast
  • 500g flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Olive oil
  • 200g blue grapes
  • 2 sprigs of rosemary
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • Sea salt & pepper

Preparation

  1. Heat the milk and water in a small bowl. Dissolve the honey in it and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit until it foams.
  2. Put the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the center, pour in the yeast mixture, and stir with a fork until it becomes a bit drier. Knead the dough for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Place the dough on a greased baking sheet, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 30 minutes in a warm, draft-free place until it doubles in volume.
  4. Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius.
  5. Prepare the oil for the bread: crush the garlic with rosemary and a generous amount of olive oil. Let it infuse.
  6. Press the grapes into the risen dough and brush everything with the seasoned oil. Sprinkle with sea salt and let it rise for another 20 minutes (the oil will be absorbed by the dough). Bake for 15 minutes in a preheated oven at 220°C.

 

Recept from: https://njam.tv/recepten/focaccia-met-druiven