Cotton Candy Grapes: Sugary Treat or Tasty Health Food?

Until recently, the grape was a very unsuspecting fruit.  We all knew exactly what to expect from them; some are green, some are purple, some darker purple, all with varying flavors we are familiar with to some degree.  But not too long ago, grapes were completely redone with a flavor no one would expect:  cotton candy.  Curiously enough, while the flavor is exotic, the grapes themselves look like any other green grape.

According to The Los Angeles Times, a fruit breeder by the name of David Cain invented these very unique grapes.  He and his team are on a mission to combat the ever-growing number of candies and other junk food that tempt children every day with healthier fruit options that taste like their favorite sugary treats.  The company Cain and his team work under is called <a href=”http://grapery.biz”>Grapery</a>, and is located out of Bakersfield, CA.  The area has always been known for its abundance of table grapes, but may soon become known for its innovations in grape breeding.

Understandably, one may be quite skeptical of a grape said to taste just like cotton candy.  However, the Grapery website claim that all of its grape varieties are “all-natural”.  And contrary to popular belief, they are not created through genetic engineering.  The Gray website links all questions of how their odd-er varieties of grapes come to be to their breeding partner, International Fruit Genetics (IFG).  IFG goes into great detail regarding their breeding techniques, and makes it very clear that they use traditional breeding techniques, not genetic modification.  Also, Grapery makes it clear that while cotton candy grapes may taste just like the sugary treat, they are not loaded with refined sugar.  They can apparently be eaten just as much as any other type of grape; a great relief for all of us with sweet tooths trying to be healthier.

     As far as my research has shown, Grapery appears to be the only company that sells cotton candy grapes.  While they are headquartered in Bakersfield, CA, their breeding partner IFG states that it serves the Central Valley of California, so it is likely the cotton candy grapes are grown right in my own backyard.  And while they are produced out of California, they appear to be available in select grocery stores across the country.  The Grapery website has a feature that allows users to type in their name and location to be connected to grocery stores offering their grapes, but it is also useful to check out Grapery’s Facebook page, where fans excitedly share when they have found cotton candy grapes.  

Unfortunately for all of us who haven’t tried these grapes though, their season appears to be ending soon and we may all have to wait until next August for their comeback. Let us know if you’ve tried the Cotton Candy grapes and if you liked them or not. Share in the comments section below.

Until next time, wear your heels well!

Diva-in-Training (Intern)