Healthier Menus

California Grapes Make Healthy Menus Easy

In the current culture of health and wellness, more and more consumers are seeking healthy options.  Fresh Grapes from California are naturally healthy and can help create “better-for-you” menu offerings.  Consider using fresh grapes:

  • As a healthy side offering
  • As a fresh ingredient to help reduce calories, sodium, and added sugars

Fresh Grapes = Healthier Menus

THE GOODNESS OF GRAPES

  • A 3/4 cup serving of grapes contains just 90 calories, no fat, no cholesterol, and virtually no sodium.  Grapes are a good source of vitamin K.
  • Fresh grapes from California are a natural source of beneficial plant compounds, including antioxidants and other polyphenols.
  • Research suggests that grape polyphenols may help maintain a healthy heart.
  • Heart-healthy grapes may also help promote healthy aging.

8 Ways to Boost the Healthy Factor of a Menu with Grapes

  1. Offer grapes as the default option to french fries or chips with burgers and sandwiches.
  2. Add grapes to the salad bar.
  3. Offer a fresh cluster of grapes on the “sides” or “extras” menu.
  4. Add grapes to the Kids’ Menu: kids love them and so do their parents.
  5. Roast grapes as the base for a healthful, flavorful sauce to accompany center-of-the-plate proteins.
  6. Combine grapes with other “power” ingredients – such as nuts, salmon, whole gains, spinach, and salad greens – to create a “super” healthy menu feature.
  7. Package grapes as a fresh grab ‘n go option or healthy snack: they are beautiful, portable, and very shareable.
  8. Replace a portion of chicken salad with grapes to reduce calories and sodium content. 
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ABOUT California TABLE GRAPES

Californians have been cultivating grapes for more than two centuries. Today, 99 percent of U.S. table grapes are produced in California's warm, dry climate that is ideal for grape growing. With 89 grape varieties grown, California grapes come in three colors—green, red, and black—and are in season from May through January.


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