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If a pale green, thin-skinned Thompson Seedless grape married a dark purple, juicy, seedy, thick-skinned Concord, what would their offspring look like? And even more importantly, since we’re talking grapes, what would it taste like?
The answer is Jelly Drops™ Grapes, just coming into stores right now, and worth the wait. This child has all the best characteristics of both parents — thin skin, no seeds, juicy, a lovely dark purple color and a fragrance that demands you reach for more.
The flavor is rich, earthy, even a bit winey (in a good way!). They are a rich-tasting, healthy snack that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Once called the Thomcord Grape, they have been rebranded with a cooler name and are now available more widely. Thank you, Bakersfield farmers, for planting more.
Friends, this is your new grape.
Grown: Central California (Bakersfield area)
Season: now until September
Price: Range from $3.99-$5.99 for a 1-pound container.
Storage: Keep refrigerated in the vegetable crisper during these hot summer weeks. Don’t wash first; wash them right before you eat them.
Available: In California, find them at Bristol Farms, Gelson’s, and Vintage Grocers (Malibu). Elsewhere, ask your produce manager to get them in for you.
Distributed by: Exclusively distributed by Melissa’s Produce.
Delicious ways to use Jelly Drops Grapes
1. Best way: Eat out of hand.
2. Pickle some!
3. Throw them into a spicy hot tuna salad — sweet and hot is an unbeatable combo!
4. Dice them into a Hatch Chile, Grape and Grilled Onion Salsa.
5. Roast them on a flatbread with Gruyere, rosemary and red onions, for the best non-red pizza you will ever have.
Disclosure: Melissa’s Produce sent the grapes for review. As always, all opinions are my own.
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{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
Will jelly drop grapes make good wine?
Kay,
Gosh, what an interesting question. I honestly don’t know!
I am not sure where you got your “Jelly Drops” from but I bought some a couple days ago and every grape has a seed or more. A few even had 3 seeds. Sorry, but I can’t say that I am impressed with the flavor or the seeds.
These made it to Indiana and they’re glorious! They’re not the same taste as stealing a few Concords off the grape arbor, but there’s no spitting seeds!
KT,
I am so glad you could taste them! They’re magnificent!
I love that they are seedless. Both our kids are obsessed with grapes, especially if they aren’t green!
Sabrina,
Then these are for YOU!
I must find these. They sound delicious.
Michelle,
Do ask for them with your produce manager. They are SO good!
Sounds fabulous Dorothy! These look soooo delicious. I always learn so much here!
It works for Concord, so I’d say your roasted direction rules the day. GREG
Greg/Sippity,
Roasting grapes is prime, and sublime.
What? No seeds?!! I’m rushing right out to find these. My grandparents and parents had “grape arbors” filled with these sweet purple grapes. It only takes one bite to blast me back to those moments of savoring them straight off the vine and slathering my mother’s homemade concord grape jelly on buttered toast. I can’t wait to try the seedless variety. Thanks, Dorothy!
Mary,
Try Vintage Grocers in Malibu.
I cannot wait to find some of these grapes here in San Diego!
Wow, I’ll have to be on the lookout for these next time I’m at the grocery store! Might even try pickling them – after I eat a bunch fresh!
Brilliant renaming on those – I’ll have to keep my eye out for them!
Oh my–so so excited to try these. My husband LOVES concord grapes and his mom used to make him a concord grape pie, but I am way too lazy to seed those grapes before making a pie.
Kristen,
This is the answer for you!