What’s the ultimate lunch box staple or one-bite snack? Grapes! While you can find red, green and black grapes in our Produce department throughout the year, we also stock special varieties like Cotton Candy grapes and Gum Drop grapes for a limited time only. Discover these peak-season varieties from August to September. Enjoy them out of hand or try one of our delicious ideas and recipes to take them to the next level.
Cotton Candy Grapes
Crisp and sweet
What are they? This cult-favorite hybrid from Grapery Vineyards tastes just like the fluffy carnival favorite with hints of vanilla. Their ultra-short season means they won’t last long!
Appearance: Light to medium green skin. Oval-like shape and medium to large in size.
How to enjoy: Sliced and tossed with greens, feta and toasted walnuts, or skewer onto fruit kabobs.
Moon Drop (Sweet Sapphire) Grapes
Bright and distinctive
What are they? Also from Grapery Vineyards, this striking variety packs bright, earthy sweetness (like grape jelly) and a pleasant snap.
Appearance: Deep purple to black skin and seedless flesh. Medium to large size with a unique, finger-like shape.
How to enjoy: Sliced for breakfast toast spread with almond butter.
Holiday Red Grapes
Jumbo-sized and juicy
What are they? Produced by Columbine Vineyards in California's San Joaquin Valley, this jumbo-sized grape has a sweet flavor and crisp, juicy texture.
Appearance: Round and much larger than other varieties. Bright red skin, seedless flesh.
How to enjoy: Mixed into a refreshing cocktail or baked into your favorite peach cobbler recipe.
Gum Drop Grapes
Sweet and floral
What are they? Exclusive to California’s Grapery Vineyards, this hybrid grape has a candy-like flavor (think gummy bears!) with floral hints and a sugary finish.
Appearance: Rounded, smaller size. Brilliant red to black skin and seedless, translucent flesh.
How to enjoy: Freeze in a single layer, then drop in a glass of wine to keep it chilled. Or pair with rich, salty cheeses (try Pleasant Ridge Reserve Cheese).
Even more unique grape varieties:
Sweet Carnival Grapes: Golden yellow skin with seedless flesh. Grown by Sunview Vineyards in California, this sunny variety reveals a cotton candy-like flavor with notes of burnt sugar. Enjoy sliced for crostini topped with goat cheese, prosciutto and arugula or popped into the freezer for a cold treat.
Thomcord Grapes: Deep purple to bluish black skin with seedless flesh. A hybrid of the Thompson Seedless and Concord grapes, this variety packs a vivid color and complex, sweet flavor similar to grape juice or jelly. Enjoy sliced on a peanut butter sandwich or blended into smoothies.
Visit the Produce department in your nearest Whole Foods Market store for a selection of peak-season grapes, plus more never-better-than-right-now produce.
*Must be 21+. Please drink responsibly.
