As autumn approaches, the time for harvesting Concord grapes is upon us. While the exact picking date may vary depending on the growing season, this week in September generally marks the ideal time for harvest.
Unlike some fruits, grapes do not continue to ripen after they are picked. Therefore, it is crucial to allow them to ripen on the vine until they reach your desired level of maturity. However, one challenge that arises is the risk of birds feasting on your crop before it is fully ripe.
You are viewing: Harvesting Concord Grapes: A Guide for Delicious Results
For those with a small number of vines, a simple solution is to cover each individual bunch of grapes with a paper bag. The grapes receive all the necessary nutrition and sugar from the leaves of the grapevine, so direct sunlight exposure is unnecessary. Within the protective darkness of the bags, the grapes will happily ripen.
Read more : When Can You Brush Your Teeth After Wisdom Teeth Removal
However, if you have more than a few vines, it becomes necessary to cover the entire vineyard with netting. It is important to install the netting early, as some birds are known to eat grapes before they are even fully ripe. Additionally, Concord grapes mature around the same time as bird migration, making them an irresistible target for hungry flocks passing through on their way south.
When it comes to harvesting grapes, it is common practice to cut entire bunches from the vine rather than picking individual grapes. To accomplish this task effectively, a good pair of snips or shears is essential. While regular pruning shears work fine, their larger cutting blades can become cumbersome when dealing with tightly packed vines. For greater ease and maneuverability, a smaller cutting tool is recommended for grape harvesting.
To determine if your grapes are ready for harvest, consider their appearance. Ideally, they should have a deep color and a slight bloom, which refers to the light-colored, powdery substance covering the skin. The sweetness of the grapes should be balanced with a subtle tart tanginess. Additionally, brown-colored seeds indicate that the grapes are mature.
Read more : When To Fertilize Lawn In North Texas
If your plan is to make grape jelly, it is perfectly fine if the grapes are not fully ripe. Grape jelly recipes require a generous amount of sugar, which not only adds sweetness but also acts as a preservative. Sugar inhibits the growth of microorganisms that cause spoilage and interacts with pectin and the acids in the juice to create a firm jelly texture. For consistent results, following the grape jelly recipe instructions on the Sure-Jell brand pectin’s long fold-out recipe insert is highly recommended.
Grapes that are not fully ripe contain more naturally occurring pectin than fully ripe grapes. This extra pectin provides added assurance that your jelly will set properly. However, it is worth noting that riper fruit produces a more flavorful jelly. No matter the stage of ripeness, homemade grape jelly far surpasses any store-bought alternatives.
In the event that you are unable to make jelly immediately, refrigerating the grapes can preserve their freshness for a few weeks if necessary.
The harvest of our yearlong garden labor brings immense satisfaction, especially during the fall season. So, why wait? Get ready to indulge in the delightful flavors of freshly harvested Concord grapes and embrace the joy of creating your own homemade grape jelly.
Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: WHEN
