What is cotton candy grapes?

Cotton Candy Grapes: A Sweet Sensation

Cotton candy grapes are a unique variety of table grape known for their surprisingly sweet flavor, which closely resembles cotton candy.

  • Flavor Profile: These grapes have a notably high sugar content and a distinct vanilla-like aroma that contributes to the cotton candy flavor. The sweetness isn't just sugar-based; it's the specific combination of flavor compounds that create the illusion of the spun sugar treat.

  • Origin & Development: Developed by horticulturalist David Cain at Bakersfield, California's International Fruit Genetics, the creation of cotton candy grapes involved years of traditional cross-breeding techniques, not genetic modification (GMO). They are a result of careful selection and hybridization of different grape varieties.

  • Availability: They typically become available for a limited time during the grape season, usually from late summer to early fall. Availability varies based on the retailer and location.

  • Appearance: Cotton candy grapes typically look like regular green grapes. There isn't a distinct visual characteristic that immediately identifies them.

  • Nutritional Value: They offer similar nutritional benefits to other grapes, providing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, they are comparatively higher in sugar than many other grape varieties.

  • Other Names: Other related or successor varieties, also developed by International Fruit Genetics, include "moon drops" and "gum drop" grapes.