Humans are hardwired to like sweet things. Even if you personally feel like you don't like that much sweetness, you'd still probably choose a bit of candy over a savory food now and then. But the sugar in those -- or the artificial sweeteners -- can make those sweet foods a nutritional landmine. A healthier solution is to turn to fruit, especially a grape with a name like Cotton Candy. These are for real, and they are turning the grape world inside out.
What They Are
Cotton Candy grapes were produced by a grower in California. They reportedly taste almost like cotton candy (tasters keep comparing it to the pink kind, even though there's really no difference in flavor between colors), with a very sweet, crunchy burst of flavor. They are very popular but are available for only a few weeks every summer.
They're Not GMO
A grape that tastes like candy may seem unnatural, but these grapes were produced through good old plant breeding. Growers experimented for years with combinations of Vitis vinifera, the main table grape variety, and other grape genera and species. Finally, they combined V. vinifera with a variety of grape similar to a Concord, and got the Cotton Candy flavor. The company has also worked on flavors like strawberry and the sweetly named Gum Drop.
The company said the point was to bring sweet, bright flavors back to fruit. It's common to find fruit sitting in stores, flavorless or nearly so. The company pointed out that many candies are fruit-flavored, and they want to get back to having real fruit that tastes that sweet.
The Nutrition Is Different
Cotton Candy grapes are definitely healthier than actual cotton candy at a carnival. However, compared to basic grapes, the Cotton Candy variety has more calories and more sugar. They're also more expensive. Still, they have vitamins and fiber, and the calorie count is lower than much of the candy available.
The grapes have become so popular that markets have reported people showing up just to buy that one variety. Luckily, more markets are carrying them, and the growers have expanded their fields substantially.
Don't forget regular grapes, though. They can still be very tasty and crisp, and they are available for a lot longer than the Cotton Candy variety.
If you really want more sweet foods, these grapes could be the perfect solution. Do talk to your doctor and a dietitian if you have specific health issues that would make adding carbs and sugar difficult. Other than that, if you can find the grapes, give them a try. You may find a new favorite fruit to munch on. Keep an eye out for more varieties as the company says it's still creating more interesting new flavors for the public.
Contact Form
Sosial Buttons