Facts about Grapes

1. 08

   Muscadine grapes native to the southeastern United States contain four sets of chromosomes instead of the three found in most Vitis vinifera varieties grown worldwide.

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2. 07

   In 1873, the phylloxera pest devastated European vineyards by attacking grape roots, destroying approximately 75 percent of France's wine production within two decades.

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3. 06

   Grape plants can live for over 100 years, with some vineyards in Europe containing vines planted during the 1800s that still produce fruit today.

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4. 05

   Seedless grapes were first commercially developed in California during the 1870s by removing seeds from traditional varieties through selective breeding techniques.

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5. 04

   The skin of grapes contains resveratrol, a compound that increases in concentration during the fermentation process used to produce red wine.

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6. 03

   Over 99 percent of the world's grapes are processed into wine, juice, or raisins rather than sold fresh as table grapes.

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7. 02

   A single grapevine can produce approximately 10 to 15 pounds of grapes annually when mature and properly maintained.

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8. 01

   Ancient Romans cultivated over 91 grape varieties by the first century CE, documented in Pliny the Elder's Natural History.

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