Introduction
Grapes are a significant horticultural crop with a rich history dating back to ancient times. Originating in the North-Western Himalayas, they have spread to North America, Europe, India, and Persia. Grapes thrive in various climatic conditions, requiring a hot and dry climate with optimum temperature (15–40°C) and rainfall (50–60 cm). They are propagated using root stokes and grow best in well-drained soil with neutral pH. Grapes are harvested when the fruit changes colour and softens, with increased sugar content.
Grape, a horticultural crop, belongs to the Vitaceae family and genus Vitis. Being a climbing vine, it grows up to a height of 50 feet and produces 15-300 grape berries per cluster.
Nutritional Composition
Grapes are rich in nutrients and possess medicinal benefits. They contain vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. They also have boron which improves bone health.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates present in grapes are non-structural soluble sugars. These sugars are very important. Reducing sugars(glucose and fructose) are major sugars present in grapes, however, less than 2% of sucrose is also present.
Organic acids
Amino acids are present abundantly in grapes which gives quality to juice and wine. Tartaric acid and malic acids are major acids in fruit. The content of tartaric acid is higher in mature fruit than malic acid.
Proteins
Protein content in grapes is less than 1% (0.6g/100g). Both glutamine and glutamate are present in grapes.
Minerals and vitamins
Grapes contain several minerals including calcium, copper, sodium, chloride, phosphate, sulphate, manganese, iron, potassium magnesium, and zinc. Potassium is the most abundant mineral among all in fruit. Moreover, grapes also contain different vitamins such as Vitamin A, vitamin K, carotene, B complex vitamins.
Dietary fiber
0.9 g of dietary fiber, or 2% of the RDI, are found in 100 g of grape fruit flesh. Significant constituents of the insoluble dietary fiber found in grape skins are lignans, neutral sugars, and uronic acid. Furthermore, hemicelluloses like xylose are a component of insoluble dietary fiber. Grapes contain a polymer of polygalacturonic acid called propectin and pectin.
Grapes have an average pectin concentration of less than 1 g/l. Pectolytic enzymes hydrolyze pectin during fruit ripening, which helps the fruit become softer.
Phytochemicals
Phenolic compounds are abundant phytochemicals found in grapes, primarily concentrated in the seed and skin. They are involved in browning reactions, color and flavor development, and maturation. Major phytonutrients include anthocyanins, tannins, flavonols, catechins, procyanidins, and epicatechin gallate. Grapes contain antioxidants like resveratrol, flavonoids.. Grapes also contain (+)-catechins, procyanidins dimers, and epicatechin gallate. Resveratrol is found in grape skin.
Health Benefits
The main reason grapes are among the most valuable fruits in the world is because they are thought to be a source of special natural products that have multiple uses, such as the creation of useful medications to treat a variety of illnesses and the production of different industrial goods. Grapes are not only a dietary item but also a significant source of several phytochemicals. Resveratrol, the primary biologically active and well-characterized component of grapes, is well-known for its many therapeutic benefits.
1: Antioxidant activity
2: Anti-inflammatory properties
3: Anti-carcinogenic activity
4: Immune-modulatory properties
5: Anti-diabetic property
6: Neuroprotective property
7: Cardio-protective effects
8: Antiviral activity
9: Hormonal balance
10: antipyretic property
Conclusion
Grapes are important fruit containing various nutrients including vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, organic acids and phytochemicals etc. This nutrient rich composition helps in preventing many diseases I.e. cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes etc. Moreover, grapes also have neuroprotective, antipyretic and antiviral activities. It also have antioxidant activity. Grapes are also used to make various industrial goods and medicines. These properties make grapes beneficial fruit.