Wild Edibles by Sergei Boutenko

Author:Sergei Boutenko [Boutenko, Sergei]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
ISBN: 978-1-58394-627-5
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
Published: 2013-07-15T16:00:00+00:00

Grape—Vitis spp.

Family Name: Vitaceae/Grape Family

A. Green grapes on a vine. Photo © iStockphoto

B. Black grapes. Photo: ayjackson, Flickr

C. Grape leaves.

D. Leaves close-up.

Table 9. Nutrient data for grapes, red or green, raw

Caution: Please take extra caution when identifying wild grapes. Grape leaves and berries have poisonous lookalikes. Check for red tendrils, saw-toothed leaves, and familiar grape odor.

Edible: Leaves, tendrils, and fruits.

Flavor: Leaves are mild and taste like spinach. Grapes taste like grapes.

Description: Grapes grow on vines. They have broad, saw-toothed leaves. These leaves are typically heart-shaped, with two deep clefts near the point. Fruits range in color from green to deep purple and grow in large clusters. Wild grapes generally have smaller berries than cultivated varieties.

Uses: Eat young leaves, tendrils, and grapes raw as a trailside nibble. Use all parts in stir-fries, soups, or stews.

Nutritional Highlight: Grape leaves contain calcium, potassium, manganese, iron, sodium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and K. Grape leaves and grape skins are also a great source for resveratrol, which boosts energy and reduces inflammation. Berries contain vitamins B2, B6, and C6. These compounds decrease the risk of heart disease. Grapes also fight breast cancer.

Helpful Tips: Since grape leaves are so broad, I love using them as a substitute for tortillas when making wraps. In Greece, as well as in parts of the Middle East, dolmas, or stuffed grape leaves, are popular. Mixtures of rice and other ingredients are wrapped in prepared grape leaves and cooked.

ID Trick: Grape berries are the best way to identify grapes.

Sergei Says: Grape leaves and grape skins are said to contain high amounts of resveratrol, an antioxidant that reverses aging and boosts the immune system. Though the study of resveratrol is still new and unrecognized by conventional medicine, I like knowing that eating grapes has the potential of keeping my body young and healthy.

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