About Jumbo Muscadine

Details

• Jumbo muscadine ripens mid to late season into the largest of all muscadine grapes, big enough to cover the palm of a hand. This large fruit, along with all other grapes in this family, emanates a musky aroma on the vine. However, the juice of this fruit has a sweet scent and equally sweet taste.

History

• According to professor of Horticulture Dr. Patrick Conner of the University of Georgia, muscadine, though naturally wild, was also the first domesticated American grape. It was the base of popular wine during the pre-Prohibition era. A varietal created from this fruit, Virginia Dare, was the most popular wine in the United States during this time. After Prohibition, California vineyards became the primary wine source of varietals, and the muscadine industry declined.

Description

• Jumbo muscadine is seeded, thick-skinned and edible. The grapes grow in small clusters on the vine and, when ripe, separate from the stem easily. The plant itself has round, serrated leaves and unbranched tendrils. It is a dioecious plant, meaning some are female and some are male. The female jumbos are larger than the males.

Benefits

• Jumbo muscadines are used to make wine, jelly and pies. In addition, they are a high source of antioxidants, which slow the aging process and assist in disease prevention. The darker variety of the muscadine contains resveratrol. This compound may protect against cancer and other diseases by acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.