Flight of the concords
nature’s sweet and sour candy
It feels like just a year ago we were saying hello and already wistfully preparing to say goodbye to the concord grapes and telling you to make sugar-free concord grape jam and that’s because somehow it has actually been a whole year. The earth only gets the concord grapes for a few weeks - isn’t that wild! Here’s how we make the most of them when we get ‘em.
Carandale is known for their concords.
WINE O’CLOCK
Concords have fewer tannins than other grapes, which doesn’t put them on the top of most wine-maker’s lists, but we appreciate a naturally fermented concord grape wine for its simple, sweet, Lambrusco vibe. Here’s a detailed instruction manual. Takes about 5 lbs, which is about 2.5 quarts, give or take.
BAKED GOODS GALORE
The sweet and tart package that is a concord grape is perfect for your favorite baked goods. Whether you’re craving muffins, pie, concord grape custard pie, a rosemary and pear galette (rosemary and concord is a great combo) or a coffee cake, be sure to make a double batch.
COOK A CHICKEN
Think grapes in chicken salad is awesome? Then you’ll love this wine harvester’s chicken where the grapes are roasted right in the same Dutch oven as your chicken, alongside bacon and maybe a few potatoes. The sweetness is divine. Add some dates if you want it BBQ style sweet.
you can also freeze this frozen yogurt into icc cube trays for a quick, easy snack
CONCORD FROZEN YOGURT
So easy to make, you’ll wish you made more. This recipe is simple as pie - blend your grapes into grape juice, strain, add honey and yogurt, and freeze.
MAKE SOME JAM
Concord grapes make an incredible jam - just grapes and a bit of lemon or lime, cook them down on low heat for a long while, and then you’ve got jam. We generally strain the seeds out when we’re done, but if you’re feeling your chef self, it is best to de-seed prior to jamming.
NO-SUGAR, PALEO GRAPE GUMMIES
Grass-fed gelatin, vitamin c powder (your ascorbic acid substitute), and concords combine to make a powerhouse guilt-free healthy concord grape candy that is slightly complicated but totally worth it because the candies last for a long while. A great gift for your paleo friends.