Glen describes these varieties, developed at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, USA:
Canadice
This is a pink/red grape with relatively small berries and tight clusters. The berries have a slip-skin characteristic, which is when the pulp of the berry pops out of the skin if the berry is squeezed. However, the flavour is very fruity and stands out when compared to most store-bought grapes.
Suffolk Red
This is another pick/red variety which has more open clusters and bigger berries. There is no slip-skin, but the fruit is soft, not crispy, and has a more mild flavour than Canadice.
Interlaken
A medium-sized green grape with a strong fruity flavour, no slip-skin, nicely sized clusters and as a bonus, this variety is also early ripening.
Himrod
This vine has green berries on large, loose clusters, although the berries become golden in colour if well exposed to the sun. The fruit is thin-skinned and has a soft texture (one person described it as, “melting, juicy”), but has excellent honey/honeydew melon flavours. They are particularly good for making raisins because of their flavour and thin skins.
While the origin of seedless grapes is uncertain, it is believed that, due to a mutation, vines initially produced grapes without seeds thousands of years ago. Since then, new vines have been propagated from old, using buds, canes or cuttings. All the varieties mentioned are obtainable online.
Although many Kiwi homes have grapevines, Glen says these alternative varieties of seedless grapes are easy to grow and offer new and interesting flavours.
“If planted in a sunny and warm location, they will produce abundant fruit,” he says. “They may require periodic treatment with wettable sulphur to control powdery mildew, and copper to control downy mildew, so be sure to watch out for symptoms.”
“Some are more susceptible to Botrytis than others, so the fruit needs to be kept well exposed, and all are particular favourites of the birds! Netting the vines or putting paper bags around the clusters can help preserve the fruit until harvest. Pruning in the winter is a must, or the vines will turn into a messy tangle.”
Glen is currently involved in the formation of the New Zealand Table Grape Growers Association, an organisation designed to help revitalise the Kiwi table grape industry. Click here for more information or email Robin Janson at:futurefarms@egl.ac.nz .
Reference: GardenNZ
