Meet N. C.'s grape superstar!

August 14, 2008

North Carolina's state fruit, scuppernong grapes, are not only delicious, but they are also emerging as a nutrition superstar!

We in eastern North Carolina know they are "good," and as Dr. Maynard recently stated at a Grape Council meeting, "the Scuppernong is the honey of North Carolina and the East."

That is why the scuppernong and other muscadine grapes are grown in the "back yards" of many North Carolina homes!

Scuppernong grapes, as reported here earlier, are the richest sources found in nature for a potent, cancer-fighting substance called "resveratrol," as well as a leading food source.

Now, why is resveratrol so healthy for our bodies?

According to the latest research at UNC by Bruce Duncan, and reported in the July of M.D. News Special Feature, "reservatrol is protector in humans and animals and our genes respond to plant defensive chemicals in a beneficial way."

Plantings of our native grape vines are relatively pest-resistant and thrive in the hot and sandy conditions of our coastal region. Our coastal climate also "necessitates resistance to disease, viruses, bacteria, pests and mold."

"The scuppernong/muscadine grape vines' adaptation to these conditions (sandy soil and hot climate) has developed unique properties that have significant health benefits for those who eat muscadine grapes," Duncan asserts.

Here's more information from the grape researchers. They have found that these grapes are "fat free and high in fiber" and that a single, one-cup serving of muscadine grapes each day "would more than double the average person's antioxidant intake."

This verifies the news that our grapes in Eastern North Carolina are now in the elite list of powerful, antioxidant foods.

While our farming ancestors didn't know why they were healthy, they did know that their "backyard grapes" not only tasted good, but they also felt better when they ate them and enjoyed their jams, jellies and wine.

With the scuppernong/muscadine harvest approaching, plan to improve your health as you enjoy North Carolinas' nutrition superstar! These superstars will be ripe in just a few weeks and are just waiting to be picked.

Get ready for delicious, nutritious grapes – and come on down!

Buddy Harrell, Bennett Vineyards