September is the peak season for buying fresh grapes grown in Texas. Select green grapes with a slightly yellow color and red grapes rich in reddish-purple color only. Purchase ripe grapes that are full and plump. Grapes can be stored for up to one week in the refrigerator and wait to rinse the grapes until you are ready to eat them to keep them fresh longer.
Grapes are rich in the flavonoid quercetin, which acts as anti-inflammatory agents helpful in the prevention of heart disease. Polyphenols are another flavonoid found in grapes and is associated with reduced risks of certain types of cancers. Grapes are also a low-calorie food. One cup of grapes contains only 100 calories versus one cup of chips packing 300 calories. This means that starting today, if consumers replace a packed lunch, side dish of chips with grapes, only twice per week, they will save 10,400 calories a year. This adds up to a weight loss of 3 lbs. a year!
Grapes are delicious, healthy, and a lower-calorie food to enjoy year-round, but most especially this month during the peak season of harvest in Southeast Texas.
