Everything You Need to Know About Cotton Candy Grapes
Your prayers have been answered—Cotton Candy grapes are here! It may sound like something that’s straight from Willy Wonka’s mind, but there’s nothing at all fictional about these fruits. They’re as real as apples or bananas! (You know, Cotton Candy grapes aren’t even the weirdest fruit at the supermarket…)
The Grapes of the Future
These days, through the miracle of science, food producers can make almost anything happen. That’s why the California company Grapery is able to make our grape dreams come true.
By cross-breeding many different standard grapes, the company has managed to create all sorts of new grapes. Ranging in styles and flavors, these new fruits are as tasty as they are original. Moon Drops are grapes shaped like tiny eggplants, Gumdrops have a “gummylicious flavor” and Cotton Candy grapes taste exactly like cotton candy. Intrigued? We certainly are!
Where to Find Cotton Candy Grapes
According to Grapery’s Availability Calendar, Cotton Candy grapes are available from mid-July through early- September, making them the perfect summer snack. They’ve been spotted at Costco for around $3 per pound—or $9 for a 3-pound clamshell—and they may also be available at your local supermarket. Cotton Candy grapes are currently retailing in the produce section for about $3.99 per pound (normally they’re around $2), but that’s the price for surprise candy-flavored grapes.
If you’re still not keen on heading to the store, it’s worth it to look for Cotton Candy grapes via grocery stores that offer delivery or pick-up. Target and Sam’s Club are selling them for delivery, just in case you don’t want to risk the trip to the supermarket.
Are They Good for You?
Grapery has launched so many exciting-sounding grapes that we had to update our grape guide. But before you start to worry, know that they’re packed with the same vitamins that you get in regular green and red grapes. You don’t have to feel guilty about eating this healthy candy alternative. It’s also not the first unusual “designer fruit” in your produce department—especially if you shop at Walmart.
Bake ‘Em in a Pie
Try Our Most Gorgeous Grape Recipes!
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Triple Fruit Freeze
These pops won't turn your tongue blue or neon green like many store-bought pops because they're made with fresh grapes, blueberries and kiwifruit. —Colleen Ludovice, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Fruit & Spinach Salad
The combination of sweet fruit and salty feta cheese makes this salad a winner. —Virginia Dack, Asheville, North Carolina
Fruit and Cheese Kabobs
We came up with this fresh and fruity summer snack idea. It's easy to make ahead and carry to the ballpark, beach or playground, and the cinnamon-spiced yogurt dip adds a fun touch kids love. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Creamy Grape Salad
Everyone raves when I bring this refreshing, creamy grape salad to potlucks. For a special finishing touch, sprinkle it with brown sugar and pecans. —Marge Elling, Jenison, Michigan
Sweet & Spicy Pickled Red Seedless Grapes
Most people don't think about grapes when creating a canned pickle recipe. The pickling liquid for these grapes includes red wine, vinegar, and common pickling spices like coriander, mustard seeds and hot pepper; it also contains warm spices like cinnamon and star anise along with brown sugar. These flavor-packed grapes are unique and delicious on an antipasto, pickle or cheese tray. —Cheryl Perry, Hertford, North Carolina
Broccoli Salad Supreme
People can't get enough of the sweet grapes and crunchy broccoli in this colorful salad. I appreciate its make-ahead convenience. —Terri Twyman, Bonanza, Oregon
Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches
Parmesan cheese and dill make this the most incredible chicken salad I’ve ever tasted. For the no-cook version, use canned chicken. These sandwiches are a simple entree to serve at parties, showers or picnics.—Jaclyn Bell, Logan, Utah
Lime-Honey Fruit Salad
Nothing is more refreshing to me than a seasonal fruit salad enhanced with this simple honey-lime dressing. —Victoria Shevlin, Cape Coral, Florida
Balsamic Steak with Red Grape Relish
I love how steak marinated in balsamic vinaigrette goes so well with a relish of red grapes and blue cheese. Everything looks gorgeous on the plate. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
Orange-Drizzled Grape Tartlets
Sugar cookie dough and cream cheese make it easy to build a crunchy, tangy tartlet featuring lush seasonal grapes. —Julie Sterchi, Jackson, Missouri
Tequila Vinaigrette with Greens
Here’s a zingy vinaigrette with Southwestern flair. We serve it with added toppings like apples, mandarin oranges, feta cheese and candied walnuts. —Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin
Cheese/Grape Appetizers
These small bites are well worth the time they take. Serve them as part of an antipasto platter or as a cheese course alongside your favorite wine. —Eleanor Grofvert, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Mulled Grape Cider
I came up with this recipe one year when I tried to make grape jelly and ended up with 30 jars of delicious grape syrup instead. I simmered the syrup with spices to make a lovely autumn drink. —Sharon Harmon, Orange, Massachusetts
Pina Colada Fruit Salad
Give friends a taste of the tropics on warm summer days with this refreshing fruit blend. For a little extra punch, you might add a splash of coconut rum. —Carol Farnsworth, Greenwood, Indiana
Cool & Crunchy Chicken Salad
When the weather sizzles, get your chill on with a cool chicken salad. Mine uses grapes, pecans and celery for that signature crunch. —Sarah Smiley, Bangor, Maine
Cranberry Waldorf Salad
Cranberries grow in the coastal area about 50 miles from our home. When they become available, I always make this creamy salad. —Faye Huff, Longview, Washington
Apple Pear Salsa with Cinnamon Chips
For a unique treat that's always a hit at fall get-togethers, try this easy appetizer. The salsa is packed with crunchy apples, grapes and pears, which are so fun to scoop up with crisp cinnamon chips. —Courtney Fons, Brighton, Michigan
Sangria Gelatin Ring
This gelatin is enjoyed by everyone because you just can't go wrong with fresh berries. —Nicole Nemeth, Komoka, Ontario
Turkey Salad with Grapes & Cashews
I used to buy turkey salad from a local deli until I experimented and came up with this recipe myself. It's even better than the store-bought kind.—Connie Laux, Englewood, Ohio
Waldorf Turkey Pitas
Living in New York City means not having a lot of time to prepare meals. This recipe is quick, easy and healthy, making it perfect for my lifestyle. —Kevin Sobotka, Staten Island, New York
Pina Colada Carrot Salad
This carrot salad with pina colada yogurt, green grapes and macadamia nuts has a tropical theme. Just mix and chill out. —Emily Tyra, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Roasted Grape Crostini
A trip to Spain introduced me to its culinary treasures, like Manchego cheese and sherry. This appetizer always impresses folks who’ve never tasted roasted grapes. They're amazing. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
Greek Salad with Green Grapes
Prepared with ingredients traditionally associated with Greece, this healthy and colorful salad offers a delightful combination of tastes. This salad is outstanding for any entree, but especially with lamb or pork dishes prepared in a Mediterranean style. —Holly Heupel, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Ambrosia Fruit Salad
My mom's ambrosia salad, with its tasty combination of fresh fruits and creamy yogurt, is a family favorite, and a great addition to a backyard barbecue. —Colleen Belbey, Warwick, Rhode Island
Overnight Fruit Salad
I first tasted this rich fruit salad at my wedding reception many years ago. The ladies who did the cooking wouldn't share the recipe at the time, but I eventually got it. I've made it for many meals, and our daughters copied the recipe when they married. —Eileen Duffeck, Lena, Wisconsin
Chunky Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans
This chicken salad with grapes is ready in a snap when using rotisserie chicken and a few quick chops of pecans, sweet onion and celery. —Julie Sterchi, Jackson, Missouri
Melon and Grape Salad
Fruit salad is a cheery way to round out a potluck. This one—with an easy and refreshing citrus dressing, makes a nice addition to any buffet. —Mary Etta Buran, Olmsted Township, Ohio
Fluffy Green Grape Salad
I received this recipe from a cousin-in-law at a family reunion. Since then, I've brought it to many gatherings myself. We also like to eat it as a dessert.—Kelli Giffen, Barrie, Ontario
The post Everything You Need to Know About Cotton Candy Grapes appeared first on Taste of Home.
