How Grapes Are Good for Your Health
Celebrity chef, best-selling author and TV host Ellie Krieger, M.S., R.D., and the California Table Grape Commission have teamed up to talk about grapes from California as “The Original Super Snack.”
A decade’s worth of research suggests that grapes may offer numerous health benefits. Grapes of every color contain a variety of antioxidants and other polyphenols, natural components in grapes that may contribute to a healthy heart. The strong health story of grapes, combined with their portability and versatility, make grapes a smart choice for healthy snacking.
“We hear a lot about super foods. This is our way of highlighting the wonderful qualities of grapes from California that make them the perfect super snack,” said Karen Brux, vice president of marketing communications for the commission. “Fresh, naturally sweet, healthy and portable, grapes meet the snacking needs of today’s consumers. We’re thrilled to have Ellie bring this message to life.”
To support the launch of the California table grape season, which runs from May through January, Ms. Krieger created five new fresh snack concepts including Grape, Ricotta, and Honey Pita Pizza; Grapes in Port Wine Sauce; Cheddar Cheese, Jicama and Grape Skewers with Lime and Cilantro Yogurt Dip; Frozen Grape and Banana Kebabs with Chocolate Drizzle; and Grapes in a Canoe (celery sticks filled with peanut butter and topped with grapes).
“Both adults and kids want snacking options that are quick and easy, but also flavorful and interesting,” said Krieger. “Any way you dress them up or down, grapes add a sweet sparkle, crunch and color to snacks, and they can double for appetizers when entertaining.”
In addition to developing healthy snack recipes with California grapes, Ms. Krieger is also promoting the new “Makeover Your Snacks with Grapes from California” contest which is active on the Grapes from California Facebook page and includes a $5,000 cash grand prize.
The commission is looking for easy-to-make concepts that use fresh grapes to “makeover” snacks into delicious, healthy super snacks.
Beyond mere sweet goodness, a 3/4 cup serving of grapes contains just 90 calories, no fat, no cholesterol and virtually no sodium. Apart from being a natural source of beneficial antioxidants, grapes contain potassium and are a good source of vitamin K, which plays a role in helping blood to clot.
