The other day I went to MSU’s vineyard in McNeil, Ms. for a field day on Muscadine grapes.
There wasn’t much talking, more like 30 minutes of pest control info and an invitation to walk around the vineyard and taste the grapes. They had about a bajillon varieties. Well, 60-ish. More than I thought existed, anyhow. And most of them had ripe grapes for tasting which was very awesome indeed. I probably ended up eating more grapes out there than I have in my whole life put together. I think it will be a few weeks before I can look at a grape again without an attack of nausea. Definitely a fun trip, though.
For you northern folks who aren’t muscadine-savvy, muscadines are a southern native vine that bears strong tasting grapes with an inedible skin. You eat them the by biting a whole in the skin and sucking the sweet, musky pulp into your mouth. I actually prefer snacking on them than table grapes since they have a much more defined flavor. Muscadines are often used in wines and jams. I’ve yet to taste either.
There were all different types grown at the vineyard. Ranging from tiny seedless muscadines to a a ginourmous black variety that looked like a good-sized plum at first glance. They also had an edible skin variety. A thing I wouldn’t have thought existed.
Never having grown a muscadine vine before, I was suprised at how few plants there were in an acre of orchard. They’e spaced 20 feet apart in the row and grow quite thickly that entire legnth. And the grapes! Mon duei the grapes! They were everywhere, some of the older plants yielding 100lbs per vine! I took a bunch of pictures I’d thought I’d throw up here. They’re from a camera phone, so ignore the poor quality. Or don’t. Whatever.
The Vineyard
Cowart, one of my favorites.
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| From Muscadines |
Sweet Jenny, the tastiest of the yellow varieties.
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| From Muscadines |
Black Fry…this was the freakin’ huge one I mentioned earlier.
Check out the link to the album for a few more pics!
