Grape, Wine grape, Purpleleaf Grape, Common Grape

Vitis vinifera

Physical Characteristics

Vitis vinifera is a deciduous Climber growing to 15 m (49ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Central and southern Europe; Northern Africa; Western Asia and the Caucasus.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Fruit Leaves Oil Shoots Edible Uses: Oil Fruit - raw or dried for winter use[1, 2, 11, 46]. The dried fruits are the raisins, sultanas and currants of commerce, different varieties producing the different types of dried fruit. A fully ripened fresh fruit is sweet, juicy and delicious[K]. The fruit juice can be concentrated and used as a sweetener[183]. This fruit is widely used in making wine[183]. Leaves - cooked[55]. Young leaves are wrapped around other foods and then baked, they impart a pleasant flavour[183]. Young tendrils - raw or cooked[85]. The flower clusters are used as a vegetable[183]. An edible oil similar to sunflower oil is obtained from the seed[7, 183]. It needs to be refined before it can be eaten[46]. A polyunsaturated oil, it is suitable for mayonnaise and cooking, especially frying[238]. Sap - raw. Used as a drink, it has a sweet taste. The sap can be harvested in spring and early summer, though it should not be taken in quantity or it will weaken the plant. The roasted seed is a coffee substitute[7]. Cream of tartar, also known as potassium bitartrate, a crystalline salt, is extracted from the residue of pressed grapes, and from the sediment of wine barrels. It is used in making baking powder[238].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Antiinflammatory Astringent Bach Cholera Demulcent Diuretic Hepatic Laxative Lithontripic Miscellany Skin Stomachic Grapes are a nourishing and slightly laxative fruit that can support the body through illness, especially of the gastro-intestinal tract and liver[254]. Because the nutrient content of grapes is close to that of blood plasma, grape fasts are recommended for detoxification[254]. Analgesic[178]. The fresh fruit is antilithic, constructive, cooling, diuretic and strengthening[4, 218]. A period of time on a diet based entirely on the fruit is especially recommended in the treatment of torpid liver or sluggish biliary function[7]. The fruit is also helpful in the treatment of varicose veins, haemorrhoids and capillary fragility[254]. The dried fruit is demulcent, cooling, mildly expectorant, laxative and stomachic[218]. It has a slight effect in easing coughs[254]. The leaves, especially red leaves, are anti-inflammatory and astringent[4, 7, 218, 254]. A decoction is used in the treatment of threatened abortion, internal and external bleeding, cholera, dropsy, diarrhoea and nausea[4, 218, 254]. It is also used as a wash for mouth ulcers and as douche for treating vaginal discharge[254]. Red grape leaves are also helpful in the treatment of varicose veins, haemorrhoids and capillary fragility[254]. The leaves are harvested in early summer and used fresh or dried[238]. The seed is anti-inflammatory and astringent[4, 7, 218]. The sap of young branches is diuretic[7]. It is used as a remedy for skin diseases[218, 240] and is also an excellent lotion for the eyes[4, 7, 254]. The tendrils are astringent and a decoction is used in the treatment of diarrhoea[7]. The plant is used in Bach flower remedies - the keywords for prescribing it are 'Dominating', 'Inflexible' and 'Ambitious'[209].

Known Hazards

None known