Grapes are a Superfood

One cup of grapes a day will keep the doctor away.

If you want to give yourself a healthy boost, look no further than the sweet, juicy goodness of grapes. Red and purple grapes are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that actually help you stay healthy. When you eat grapes you get a dose of resveratrol, manganese, thiamin, potassium and vitamins B6, C, and K.

So what does that mean for you? The antioxidants and nutrients in grapes lower your chances of heart disease, heart attack and stroke by decreasing LDL cholesterol, help prevent blood clots and high blood pressure and strengthen connective tissues.

5 Super Grapes to Grow

Imported grapes are also on the Dirty Dozen list created by The Environmental Working Group. They’ve compiled a list of produce with the highest pesticide load. To diminish the risk they recommend buying organic grapes or those grown in the United States. I say avoid the issue all together by growing your own. Here are five possibilities.

Concord – dark purple, zones 4 – 9, sweet, ripens in early fall, seedless variety available

Glenora – blue-black, zones 5 – 8, extra juicy with rich flavor, ripens in late summer, very cold tolerant, seedless variety available

Mars – blue, zones 5 – 9, huge fruits, ripens in late summer, seedless, disease resistant

Reliance – deep red, zones 4 – 8, sweet with a firm texture, ripens in late summer, seedless variety available

Valiant – blue, zones 4 – 8, tangy flavor, ripens in early fall, very cold tolerant