Pure diversity - one berry, a thousand possibilities
There are fruits we hardly notice in our daily lives – until we consciously take the time to appreciate them. The grape is one such fruit. Tiny, round, seemingly inconspicuous at first glance, yet it contains a world of pleasure, culture, and history. Hardly any other fruit is so versatile and accompanies us through life in so many forms.
This week we're dedicating ourselves entirely to the grape and everything it can be: fresh, dried, dipped in chocolate, or even distilled. A journey through aromas, memories, and traditions.
A taste of summer – fresh, dark grapes
Who hasn't experienced this: You're sitting outside on a warm afternoon, perhaps with a book, and on the table is a bowl of dark, seedless grapes . One grasp, one bite – and the skin cracks, the pulp is refreshing, and a breath of summer fills your mouth.
Grapes are more than just a snack. They're little energy boosters, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. You may have already served them with a cheese board – their fruity sweetness perfectly complements creamy Brie or robust blue cheese. Or you can freeze a few grapes in the freezer: a refreshing alternative to ice cubes in water or Prosecco.
When sunshine preserves sweetness – the world of dried grapes
The story of the grape is also a story of patience. Thousands of years ago, it was discovered that grapes dried in the sun do not spoil, but transform: into sweet, aromatic delicacies.
Jumbo Flames are the giants among dried fruits: large, juicy, soft, and ideal for snacking. Children love them as a sweet alternative to gummy bears.
Sultanas from the Orange River in South Africa carry the aroma of their homeland: golden, honey-like, with a hint of caramel. They are a dream in breakfast muesli or in fluffy yeast pastries.
- The classic Sultana, on the other hand, is an all-rounder that fits both into oriental dishes like couscous and into our traditional Christmas baking.
And then there are the currants – small, dark, and spicy. They evoke memories of Greece, of windswept markets, and the scent of freshly baked raisin bread. Anyone who has ever tasted currants in the batter of a butter cake knows why they are so special.
Each of these varieties tells its own story, yet they all have something in common: they are little sun catchers that transport us back to summer with a single bite.
A dance of contrasts – raisins in dark chocolate
Sometimes the greatest pleasures arise when opposites collide. Like with the raisins in dark chocolate . On the one hand, there's the sweet, concentrated fruit – and on the other, the bittersweet, elegant note of dark chocolate. Together, they create a play of sweetness and bitterness that dances on the tongue.
Imagine: A cozy evening, a cup of espresso or a glass of red wine – and a quick dip into the bowl of these little chocolate treasures. A moment of pure indulgence that needs nothing but lingers long after.
The Spirit of the Grape – Bagaceira from Portugal
But the journey of the grape doesn't end with tasting. In Portugal, where winemaking has been a tradition for centuries, a special way has been developed to utilize every part of the grape. From the residues of wine production – skins, seeds, and pulp – Bagaceira , a clear grape brandy , is created through distillation.
The Bagaceira from Aldeia Velha is robust, aromatic, and yet surprisingly delicate. In Portugal, it is often enjoyed after a rich meal, as a warming finale, sometimes accompanied by a piece of cheese or a sweet pastry. It is not just a drink, but a piece of culture, an expression of respect for the fruit that gives so much.
Ideas for everyday life – little grape moments
You might be wondering: "How can I incorporate all this variety of grapes into my everyday life?" Here are a few suggestions:
- Freeze a few fresh grapes and add them to water or sparkling wine as healthy ice cubes.
- Soak sultanas in warm apple juice or tea and use as a topping over porridge or pancakes.
- Mix currants into the cake batter – especially delicious in butter cake or Christmas cookies.
- Try Jumbo Flames as a sweet addition to a green salad with feta and walnuts.
- And for special moments: A piece of dark chocolate with raisins with espresso – or a glass of Bagaceira as a digestif.
Regional customs: Grapes in Portugal
In Portugal, the grape is far more than just a fruit – it is part of the culture, everyday life and celebrations.
- The grape for New Year's
A very special custom is the so-called "Doze Uvas" (twelve grapes). At the stroke of midnight, when the new year begins, one eats a grape with each chime of the clock – twelve grapes for twelve months of good luck. Each individual grape represents a wish or a good omen for the coming year.
- Harvest festivals in autumn
In wine-growing regions like the Douro Valley or the Alentejo, the grape harvest is celebrated in September and October. The "vindima" (grape harvest) is not only hard work, but also a festival. Families, friends, and neighbors come together to harvest, press, and of course, eat and drink together. Often, the traditional foot-stomping, accompanied by music and dancing, is still part of the festivities.
- Bagaceira – a digestif with history
After a rich meal, Portuguese people often enjoy a shot of Bagaceira , a clear grape brandy. It's frequently served with coffee – a practice affectionately known as "Café com Cheirinho" ("coffee with a hint of fragrance"). For many, this small sip is a moment to pause, to conclude a meal, and to enjoy the company of others.
A small miracle of nature
Whether fresh, dried, covered in chocolate, or roasted – the grape is a small miracle of nature. It shows us how diversity tastes, how sun and earth, craftsmanship and patience can work together.
Our themed week, "Everything from the Grape," invites you to rediscover this fruit. Try it, combine it, and let yourself be surprised. Because behind every grape lies not only sweetness, but also a piece of culture, memory, and joy of life.
