Kristen Mowers, CalSERVES Nutrition Coordinator
A Bunch of Grape History
Grapes are one of the oldest cultivated fruits. Hieroglyphics show that Egyptians were involved in grape and wine production, and the early Romans were known to have
developed many varieties.
Grapes have been grown in California for more than 200 years. The tradition of viticulture began in 1769 when Spanish friars established missions throughout the region. Padres planted a European grape variety known as the Mission in order to make sacramental wine. Native American wild grapes of the type Vitis girdiana grew along California stream banks, but these grapes were sour and of little use for winemaking.
In California, the boom in grapes planted for fresh consumption arose in the early 1800s when a number of settlers recognized the untapped agricultural possibilities of
the then-Mexican territory. William Wolfskill, a former trapper (and also founder of California’s citrus industry) planted the first table grape vineyard in 1839 on pueblo land near present-day Los Angeles.
By the 1850s, the United States had officially acquired California from Mexico and 80,000 gold prospectors had moved to the region, a few of them recognizing that there
was money in grapes as well as ore. The young agricultural society recognized that grapes were an important commodity in which to invest, and today California wine, table grapes and raisins are all important agricultural commodities, with approximately 700,000 acres planted in vineyards.
Enjoy this little taste of history!
Quick and Creamy Grape Shake
Makes 4 servings (1 cup per serving)
Ingredients:
2 cups green or red seedless grapes
2 bananas, peeled and sliced
2 oranges, peeled and quartered
12-16 ice cubes, crushed
Preparation:
Place grapes, bananas, oranges, and ice in a blender container.
Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve.
Calories 139, Carbohydrate 36g, Fiber 4g, Protein 2g, Fat 0g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 2mg
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