Grape Slushies

This recipe is in collaboration with the Alliance for Food & Farming. I attended the “Safe Fruits and Veggies Farm Tour” which was paid for by the Alliance for Food & Farmingand sponsored by California Citrus Mutual, California Fresh Fruit Association, California Table Grape Commission, International Fresh Produce Association, Pear Bureau Northwest, andWestern Growers Association. All views are my own.

This recipe for grape slushies was inspired by a recent tour I attended with the Alliance for Food and Farming.

I had the privilege of touring California grape farms where I sampled fresh grapes, right off the vine, then enjoyed them in a fresh grape slushie as part of an authentic Croatian meal sponsored by family-owned Jasmine Farms.

This slushie is a simple blended mixture of California red table grapes and fresh lime juice.

It’s the perfect dessert that is uber-refreshing and packed with nutrition.

How to make grape slushies

Featured Ingredients

• Grapes: Seedless red grapes make for a vibrant and beautiful slushie.
• Lime: The acidity and fresh lime flavor is the perfect liquid to bring this slushie together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Line the grapes on a baking sheet or plate. Place in the freezer for 1-2 hours or until frozen.
2. Place the frozen grapes and lime zest and juice.
3. Puree until the mixture is slushie consistency, scraping the sides as needed.
4. Enjoy immediately.

Recipe Substitutions and Alterations

• For the grapes: This slushie recipe would be great with seedless green or black grapes.
• For the lime: You could substitute with fresh lemon juice.
• Add herbs: For an herby addition, add fresh mint or basil.

Nutrition Considerations

• To make this gluten free: This recipe does not contain gluten. Be sure all ingredients you choose are gluten free.
• To make this dairy free: This recipe does not contain dairy.
• To make this vegan: This recipe does not contain animal products.
• To make this nut free: This recipe does not contain nuts. Be sure all ingredients you choose are nut free.
• To make this egg free: This recipe does not contain eggs.

Fun facts about grapes

As part of the grape vineyard tours, I was fortunate enough to see how grapes are grown and harvested first-hand.

While I’ve always appreciated the sweet juiciness and nutritional properties of grapes, I now have more of an appreciation for the time, consideration and labor that goes into growing table grapes as well as the emerging research related to grapes and health.

Notable facts about fresh table grapes:

• California grape farmers collectively grow 81 varieties of grapes, which come in green, red or black. Each grape variety has unique flavor and textural properties.
  • In 2021, California table grape growers harvested more than 97 million boxes of grapes!
• California grapes are in season May through January.
• The white powdery substance you see and feel on grapes is called bloom. According to the California Grape Commission, bloom is a naturally occurring substance that protects grapes from moisture loss and decay.
• Grapes can be prepared and added to dishes in many ways. Enjoy them in salsa, salads, sides, drinks, desserts and as-is (they make the perfect fiber-filled sweet snack!).
  • You can grill, roast, sauté or pickle grapes to give them a unique flavor and enhance their natural sweetness.
• Grapes should be stored in the refrigerator and unwashed and dry.
  • For maximum shelf life, do not store grapes next to alliums like onions or leeks.
  • Wash grapes just before serving or preparing.
• Studies show grape consumption can be beneficial for heart, brain and colon health.
• To read more about emerging research related to grape consumption and health, visit the California Table Grape Commission.

What is the Alliance for Food and Farming?

The Alliance for Food and Farming (AFF) is a non-profit organization formed in 1989 which represents organic and conventional farmers of fruits and vegetables and farms of all sizes.

AFF contributors are limited to farmers of fruits and vegetables, companies that sell, market or ship fruits and vegetables or organizations that represent produce farmers.

Our mission is to deliver credible information about the safety of produce.

An example of the Alliance for Food and Farming’s work can be found at www.safefruitsandveggies.com.

This website exists as a resource for science-based information for consumers so that facts, not fears, can guide their shopping choices.

Recipes featuring juicy grapes:

• Grape Salsa
• Cranberry Chicken Salad with Grapes
• Fennel and Grape Potato Salad
• Roasted Grape and Ricotta Dip
• As part of a Simple Charcuterie Board
• Visit the California Grape Commission for more recipe inspiration!

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