Muscadine grapes (Vitis rotundifolia) are popular with home growers for their thick skins, big seeds and distinct musky-flavored pulp. Hardy at U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 10, the muscadine grape has been the first native grape variety to be cultivated in the United States. Although in the past the production of muscadines was primarily for home use, they’re now grown both commercially and in home gardens for a variety of uses.
Mature muscadine grapes are best for juices, because as grapes mature, the apples and color improve, while acidity decreases. While they make a distinctly flavored juice, many commercial divers use muscadine grapes to produce wine. Muscadine wines possess a fruity taste, the standard of which is dependent on the growth and maturation of the grapes.
Jams, Jellies, Preserves and Butter
Muscadine grapes are best for making grape butter, jelly, jam and preserves. Jams, preserves and butter are made of whole or crushed grapes. Preserves are slightly different from jams, since they typically contain larger pieces of grapes. Muscadine grape butter is produced by cooking the grapes following the seeds and skins are removed to make a smooth, thick product, while muscadine grape jelly is made of the juice of the grapes.
Fertilizers and Feed
As stated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, when muscadine grapes have been processed to make juice or wine, about 900 to 1,000 pounds of waste, or pomace, is left over from every ton. This waste is composed of the grapes’ tough, thick skins, pulp and seeds. A number of that can be employed in the manufacture of fertilizer and livestock feed.
By-Products and Extracts
The waste, or pomace, that’s left over after making muscadine juice, food and wine products such as jams and jellies is often made into a puree. This waste contains primarily seeds and skins, which also possess some uses. If the seeds have been removed, muscadine pomace puree can be used to make a variety of merchandise including bananas and bananas, fruit roll-ups, sauces, cakes, candies, muffins and breads. The seeds are not wasted either. As stated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, muscadine grape seed extract is high in fiber and other nutrients and is a source of many phytochemicals associated with disease prevention. Grape seed extract is used in the manufacture of nutritional supplements like meal replacement bars and vitamins, and it is also utilised in paints and soaps.