U of M getting back into the table grape game
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The EmberGlo grapes developed by the U. Photo: Courtesy of University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota is releasing a series of three new seedless grape varieties, the first time it has developed grapes for the table — not the bottle — in 45 years.
Why it matters: The U's fruit breeding program — which created the blockbuster Honeycrisp — is hoping the grapes, as well as two new apple varieties, are the next hit.
Zoom in: The NorthernGlo series includes the following varieties:
🍍 LumiGlo is a yellow grape with pineapple, strawberry and guava flavors.
- "Unlike anything you've ever had," Matt Clark, associate professor in the U of M's Department of Horticultural Science, told Axios.
🥞 ShadowGlo is a black grape that is almost like a blueberry. Clark uses it in muffins and pancakes.
🍓 EmberGlo is a crisp red grape with strawberry notes.
The two new apple varieties are the Big Flirt, which is large, red and sweet, and the loud-eating SuperSnap.
- "If you like the Honeycrisp, this new (SuperSnap) variety exceeds that in crispness and juiciness," Clark said.
What to expect: You might be able to find some of the grapes sold by tester farms and orchards in Minnesota and Wisconsin next fall, but larger quantities won't be around for another three years, Clark said.
- The apples should start showing up next fall, but larger volumes won't be available for another five years, Clark said.
The big picture: With large growers struggling with depressed wholesale prices, rising production costs and an oversupply of apples, the U also announced a new licensing program last week.
- The aim is to help smaller growers outside Minnesota avoid some of the previous hurdles to growing U-bred apples and grapes.
- That means more Honeycrisps, SweetTangos and FirstKiss sold at orchards, CSAs, farm stands and local markets.