Grapes

The grape is one of the oldest fruits grown by man and Chile is the top grower of grapes in the southern hemisphere.

Almost 30 per cent of the entire fruit growing area in the country corresponds to table grapes. The arid climate of the Chilean summer offers ideal conditions for a fruit renowned internationally for its quality and flavor.

Grapes from Chile can be obtained from the middle of November to August.

Red Varieties

This is one of the seedless varieties, characterized by a small round grape with a thin skin and a wine-red color. It has sweet, juicy, crunchy flesh.
This seeded variety is distinguished by the size of its berry and its reddish
to dark red color. It is a crunchy grape, with firm and excellent tasting flesh.
This is a seedless, dark pink colored grape variety. It has crunchy and
firm flesh, with a sweetly acid flavor.
This seedless variety features a deep red color and a thin skin.
This variety has large, elongated berries with thick skin. It has a lightly sweet flavor and a crunchy texture.

White Varieties

This is a clear green, seedless, elongated grape variety, well known for its
crunchy, juicy texture and its sweet taste. It sometimes has a yellow shading to its color, which is usually associated with a more mature grape bunch.
Very similar to the Thompson Seedless, it has a very brilliant green color
and an elongated shape. It is slightly sweeter and more crunchy than the Thompson.
This variety has a light green color, giving it an almost pale, translucent
look. Its berries are round. In French, Perlette means small pearl.”
 

Black Varieties

This is a seedless variety, with firm flesh and a reddish black color. It has a meaty, crunchy flesh.
Although its skin color ranges from blue to black, its flesh is green and very juicy. It has large, round berries, firm skin and a moderately sweet taste.

Storage

- The ideal condition is to store table grapes at 32Fº (0°C) with 90-95% relative humidity.
- Before and during storage, bruised or damaged fruit should be eliminated.
- Avoid storing table grapes near onions, because the grapes will absorb their smell.
- To assure the quality of the table grapes, always transport them in their original packing case.

Exhibition

- The more green the stem, the fresher are the table grapes.
- Table grapes should not be put in direct contact with ice or frozen products.
- Always place the grapes on a clean, soft surface.
- To maintain quality and freshness, never pack the grapes in more than two layers. The fruit should also be rotated on a regular basis.
- Never moisten or allow the fruit to get wet while on the shelf.
- Remember, grapes have impulse-driven kind of purchase, so exhibit tables grapes in a very accessible space.
- To give beauty and color to the display, alternate the green, red and black varieties.

Regions of Production

III region - Atacama
 IV region - Coquimbo
 V region - Valparaíso
Metropolitan region - Santiago
VI region - Rancagua
VII region - Maule

Availibility

November through August.