It’s safe to say most of us have heard of red and green grape varieties, but did you know there are actually blue, black, yellow, pink, and purple grapes?
Grapes are one of America’s favorite fruits, and it’s easy to see why! Grapes are great for your health, can be used in cooking, and you can enjoy them independently, but they also come in many fun sizes and colors.
Follow along as we put together a juicy list of these traditional blue grapes, also known as berries, thanks to their close cousin, the blueberry. We will also discuss why grapes are helpful, influential, and all-around outstanding fruits.
A Small Bunch of Tasty Facts About Grapes
Here’s a small bunch of tasty facts about grapes. First, Do you have a favorite way you enjoy grapes? Do you have a grape color preference?
Botanists believe the word grape is derived from “graper,” which is an old French verb meaning to “pick grapes off a vine” or “catch with a hook.” It’s proven grapes are most widely enjoyed as a snack on their own, dried into raisins, or used to make exceptional wines.
The best season for grapes found in the U.S. is between the months of August through October; however, some hardy varieties can withstand the winter. We recommend introducing grapes into your daily diet to stay in the best health. You’ll find grapes are not only packed with antioxidants and low calories but also can provide you with incredible sources of vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and potassium!
The Top 10 Blue Grape Varieties
Let’s look at the top, most known, and unique varieties of blue grapes!
1. Beta
Beta grapes are locals in Minnesota and hardy during the winter months. They are a cross of a concord grape mixed with a Carver wild riverbank grape. Beta grapes are self-fertile and grow victoriously in cooler weather. During the early twentieth century, Beta grapes grew quite successfully after Minnesotans widely planted them throughout the state; however, Beta grapes also grow best across the world in Finland.
You’ll find these navy blue grapes ripen in late September and are perfect when used in varieties of jellies, fruit juices, and pastries. However, Beta grapes are rarely used in winemaking due to their lightly sweet taste.
2. Bluebell
Bluebell grapes hold the name “blue” specifically in their title, and due to their size, you’ll find them to resemble a concord grape. In addition, you’ll discover Bluebell grapes’ vines trail during their growth and maturity. Bluebells are a hardy blue grape and ripen early in the Fall season and into the winter.
These grapes have a blueish black coloring, and are primarily used to make fruit juices, jellies, or enjoyed independently. Additionally, their sweet taste, medium to large sizes, and tender skins make an excellent choice for winemaking.
3. Concord Grapes/ Concord- Grafted
Concord grapes are a well-known variety and native to the U.S. Thanks to their popularity, they carry the nickname “the grape of millions.” Concord grapes have loose skins and are called “slip skin” grapes. Be extra careful, as Concord grapes’ deep-colored blue juices will stain just about anything instantly!
These gorgeous large-sized grapes have a dark navy blue matte color and an extremely sweet taste. Concord grapes are widely available and used in grape juices, soft drinks, and classic jellies, but don’t be afraid to try them raw.
There are two ways Concord grapes are grown, grafted or non-grafted. Grafting is a technique used to join plant tissues, so they continue growing and create a hybrid plant. These blue grapes are available in both grafted and nongrafted varieties.
4. Everest Seedless
The Everest Seedless grape is completely seedless and a family member of the Concord grape. They began their life at Cornell University, were named after the tallest mountain, and are now grown and enjoyed throughout the Northeast.
Everest Seedless grapes have a very juicy and distinct flavor compared to the Concord. These grapes grow large and result in a plentiful harvest. If you enjoy grand, round, juicy grapes packed with flavor, you have to give this blue grape variety a try! Use Everest Seedless in jellies and juices, or enjoy them on their own.
5. Fredonia Grapes
Fredonia Grapes, also known as Vitis Labrusca, are another type of grape developed by Cornell University. Thanks to their two-week early harvest time, you can enjoy these grapes sooner! Fredonia’s are self-fruitful, seedless, and also drought-resistant. This blue grape is a deciduous vine grown for fruit, wine, and shade.
Fredonia grapes carry a delightfully sweet flavor mixed with a note of spiciness and tang but on a lighter scale than the Concord grape. These large berries have a blueish black color and make delicious juices, jellies, and even soft drinks.
6. Ives Grapes/ Ives Grafted
Let’s now talk about a rare variety of blue grapes. Ives grapes, mainly produced in Brazil, are hard to find and enjoy in the states. There are several accounts as to the origin of the Ives grape; however, Ives is grown in loose, medium-sized bunches and also carries a rich flavor.
Ives Grapes are a dense blueish black color with a solid sexy flavor and intense smell. You can use them in deep red wines, strong grape juices, and jellies. Ives Grapes are available in both grafted and non-grafted varieties.
7. Kyoho
Next up is the Kyoho grape, a popular blue grape variety amongst Japanese growers and botanists. Kyoho grapes are a cross-bred or hybrid variety with a blueish purple color. If you go to Japan, it’s the most commonly available choice of any grape variety.
When Kyoho grapes are ripe, their skins are bold blue, almost black, and glossy in color. These grapes also have a very bitter taste, so removing the skins is common before eating. Below the surface, you’ll find large, juicy, and very sweet berries, making Kyoho’s great for use in jellies, juices, and wines.
8. Mars
Not to be confused with the planet, Mars grapes have been deemed the best blue seedless grapes to grow all around. They are hardy and vigorous and the perfect choice for choosing a disease-resistant blue grape.
The Mars grape is medium-sized and has a fantastic juicy, sweet candy flavor. Plan to use these seedless grapes for fresh grape juice, wines, and jellies, or enjoy them independently. Mars grapes are often compared to the taste of Concord grapes.
9. Moon Drops
Moon Drops are unique blue grapes produced by the same folks that brought us Cotton Candy and Tear Drop grapes. These grapes are unlike other grapes due to their intense blueish black color and oblong shape. They’re unusually crunchy and can be snapped in half.
You’ll experience a charming sweetness when you taste a Moon Drop grape. With their flavor and large size, Moon Drops are delightful stuffed with whipped cream, fancy whipped cheeses, or even roasted and used in salads.
10. Sunbelt
Finally, we have the Sunbelt grape, another popular sibling of the open-pollinated Concord grape. You’ll find Sunbelt grapes grow successfully in southern climates. If you grow these blue grapes in the right temperatures, you can expect a plentiful harvest and even ripening.
The Sunbelt grape has an excellent sweet taste and beautiful blue coloring. In addition, they make a mean grape juice and go great in jelly. Display these beauties in your home and enjoy them as a delicious snack!
Wrapping Up Top Varieties of Blue Grapes
As you now know, grapes come in all varieties of shapes, sizes, and even colors. It is clear to see why these juicy “berry” fruits are such a well-liked classic. Grapes taste great, and you can use them in various ways. The perfect juicy snack packed with astounding health benefits!
Is there a blue grape variety that stood out to you on our list? Which type of grape are you most excited to try and maybe even grow?
Excited for more grape content? Next, check out my grape vine page for more growing tips, care guides, recipes, and more!