How do you use grapes?

Daisy

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I just got in from fighting a drunk swarm of bees off my grape vine, managed to pick a nice basket size. I took some to my neighbour, and put the best ones in the top of the fridge in the hope they freeze for a nice snack. Now I have about 3 kilos left, probably less once I go through and give the crap ones to the ducks. The grapes are mostly red, a little overripe and seedless. I am not sure what I will do with them yet - and probably wont decide until they are already in a pot. I'm thinking a sweet sauce of some sort or jam obvs, but im pretty bad at jam.

What do you do with your excess grapes?
 

CrealCritter

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I just got in from fighting a drunk swarm of bees off my grape vine, managed to pick a nice basket size. I took some to my neighbour, and put the best ones in the top of the fridge in the hope they freeze for a nice snack. Now I have about 3 kilos left, probably less once I go through and give the crap ones to the ducks. The grapes are mostly red, a little overripe and seedless. I am not sure what I will do with them yet - and probably wont decide until they are already in a pot. I'm thinking a sweet sauce of some sort or jam obvs, but im pretty bad at jam.

What do you do with your excess grapes?
 

Hinotori

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Juice and jelly is what I do.

I have a steam juicer that makes dealing with grapes easy. Just be careful not to burn yourself. I've done that enough times. I can the juice and let it set for a few months before making jelly so any tartaric acid crystals settle out. Crunchy jelly sucks. Grandma used to put the juice in the fridge for a few days to settle it out. Grape variety determines if there is a large amount tartaric acid.

You can always make raisins. I remember Mom used seeded grapes one year. That was.. um.. interesting .

We've canned whole seedless grapes and used them for pies. Or just eaten them. Small fresh seedless ones work good for pie as well.

My great aunt and uncle have a small vineyard. They had over 50 varieties at one point. Table, juice, and wine.
 

Daisy

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Nice ideas :) I did not think of pies, but thats a great one for me to do :D As I dont have canning supplies or any special equipment. Grape juice sounds delish and maybe I could attempt to make a fresh one to drink today. I found an easy 3 ingredient jam recipe, but no jars for jam and Im not sure how it would keep in my glass containers with plastic lids. Pies are looking like the best option right now!

I am still recovering from picking them, so keep the ideas coming :)
 

CrealCritter

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Nice ideas :) I did not think of pies, but thats a great one for me to do :D As I dont have canning supplies or any special equipment. Grape juice sounds delish and maybe I could attempt to make a fresh one to drink today. I found an easy 3 ingredient jam recipe, but no jars for jam and Im not sure how it would keep in my glass containers with plastic lids. Pies are looking like the best option right now!

I am still recovering from picking them, so keep the ideas coming :)
I LOVE PIE
 

TexasLisa

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I just got in from fighting a drunk swarm of bees off my grape vine, managed to pick a nice basket size. I took some to my neighbour, and put the best ones in the top of the fridge in the hope they freeze for a nice snack. Now I have about 3 kilos left, probably less once I go through and give the crap ones to the ducks. The grapes are mostly red, a little overripe and seedless. I am not sure what I will do with them yet - and probably wont decide until they are already in a pot. I'm thinking a sweet sauce of some sort or jam obvs, but im pretty bad at jam.

What do you do with your excess grapes?
My grandmother used to make Grape Cobbler, Grape Juice, and Grape Jam. Brings back good memories!
 

Britesea

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You could make freezer jam if you don't have a canner. Any container and top should work for that. Just have to remember to keep in in the refrigerator once it's opened, and use it up within a week.

 

Daisy

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I would make grape wine, but that's me
I thought you would!! 🤣 And I would probably have enough, but have managed to palm a fair few off to friends so maybe next year. I know the grapes are worth the effort in netting and caring for now.

I dont have a freezer either, but if I put things in the top of the fridge, they sometimes freeze haha. I think I will make a jam/jelly and bake some jam drop biscuits as I have never tried to make them before and I love them. I'll make some mini grape pies too :)

Thanks every one! Sorting through the rest of them today, not much more to do since I gave enough away.
 

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