Grapes

Grapes are small fruits that grow in big bunches on vines. They can be green, red, purple, or even black. Grapes have a smooth skin and soft, juicy insides. People have been growing grapes for thousands of years. You can eat them fresh or dry them to make raisins.

Grape Vines

Grapes grow on long, twisty plants called vines. The vines climb up fences, walls, or wooden frames. A farm that grows grapes is called a vineyard. Vines can live for more than 50 years and keep making fruit. Grapes are picked in late summer and early fall.

Many Uses for Grapes

Grapes are used in lots of different foods and drinks. When grapes dry in the sun, they shrink and become raisins. People also crush grapes to make juice and jelly. Grape seeds can be pressed to make oil. Some grapes taste best fresh right off the vine.

Fun Facts

• It takes about four pounds of grapes to make just one pound of raisins.
• There are more than 8,000 kinds of grapes in the world.
• Grapes explode into tiny fireballs when you heat them in a microwave.

Did You Know?

The oldest known grape vine is in Slovenia and is more than 400 years old. It still makes grapes every year.