Through the Grapevine

May 12, 2008

Looking for an easy, low-calorie yet sweet snack? Grab a handful of grapes now, during peak season. So easy: no preparation—just wash them under cold water.

Nutritionally speaking, grapes supply vitamin C, but less than other fruit. Depending on their variety, they have varying amounts of flavonoids: resveratrol, quercetin, anthocyanins and catechins. Found mainly in the skin, resveratrol in grapes may help reduce heart disease risk. Early research suggests a role in cancer protection, too.

Refresh your palate with grapes today.

• Toss halved grapes in salad – spinach, salad, slaw, pasta salad or chicken or seafood salad. Make it portable as a salad wrap.
• Freeze grapes-a refreshing snack, or can be used in “ice cubes” in water, iced tea or fruit juice.