I dropped by Central Market last night to grab a few things and happened upon a fruit I had never tried before, at least not in its solid version — Concord grapes. The signs posted mentioned that these dark blue and purple grapes are the ones often used in jams, jellies and juices (Dr. Thomas Welch is the man responsible for making them famous), and that they are sold only during certain times of the year in limited quantities. Wikipedia states that they are occasionally available as table grapes, especially in New England and in Texas.
New England makes sense because Concord, Massachusetts is where the first variety was grown. But a quick search didn’t reveal any simple answers as to why Texas was the only other area mentioned. Anyone happen to know? I’m also wondering whether the reason so few are available as table grapes is because so many are needed to produce grape-related items. I don’t think the reason is that people don’t enjoy them in non-juice or jelly form because I have to say, they may have been the best grapes I’ve ever put in my mouth.
