Black seedless grapes may be round to slightly oval in shape. Their skin is deep purple to near black in color with an occasional waxy bloom on the surface. The skin is firm and does not slip from its flesh. The pulp is tender and less crunchy than most red or green table grapes. They are overtly juicy in texture with a sweet, grapey muscat flavor. Although Black seedless grapes are defined as seedless, occasionally they will contain one to two almost unrecognizable tiny, edible fleshy seeds.
Black seedless grapes are available year-round, with peak season in the summer and fall.
There are multiple species of Black seedless grapes within the Vitus genus, including vinifera, labrusca, riparia, rupestris, and rotundifolia. Those most commonly grown for use as a table grape are Vitis vinifera and V. labrusca, or a hybrid of the two. Black seedless grapes are prized for their lush juicy pulp and highly aromatic skins that offer a pleasant chewiness. Some of the more notable varieties found on the market are Black Monukka, Summer Royal, Autumn Royal and Black Emerald.
Black seedless grapes contain significant amounts of vitamins A, C and K. Flavonoids within the grape’s skin, such as resveratrol, provide antioxidant qualities which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Black seedless grapes are most often eaten raw out-of-hand, but they also make excellent juice and raisins. They may be roasted and cooked down into sauces and jams, or frozen and whipped into an instant sorbet. The rich flavor and inherent sugar content of Black grape juice is a natural sweetener for fresh fruit cocktails. Complimentary flavors include, almond, pistachio, hazelnut, walnut, peanut, lemon, strawberry, raspberry, endive, arugula, fennel, rosemary, mint, yogurt, sour cream, crème fraiche, goat cheese, blue cheese, pork, duck and poultry. To store, place lightly washed grapes in a perforated plastic bag and refrigerate.