Niagara Grapes

Distinctive Sweet, Tangy Flavor

Niagara grapes are a white grape known for their distinctive sweet, tangy flavor and strong aroma. They are primarily grown in the Northeastern United States and parts of Canada, especially around the Niagara region of New York and Ontario, where they were developed in the late 1800’s hence the name.

Sweet, fruity and juicy with a slightly musky “foxy” flavor which refers to the wild, musky aroma and flavor which is typical of American grapes. Hardy for zones 5–8, they are a pale green to golden yellow when ripe in mid to late September being the ideal time to harvest.

Be sure to provide strong support for the vines. Disease resistance is moderate, things to watch for are fungal diseases like downy mildew and black rot.

Niagara are the one of the most important and commonly used white grape in commercial grape juice but are great for fresh eating table grapes, but watch the seeds! Can also be used to make sweet wines, though less popular than some other white varieties due to the foxy flavor. The sweetness of the grape lends well to preserves due to the high sugar content.

Niagara Grape Juice

Wash stem grapes, mash them lightly and simmer with a bit of water until they release their juice. Strain, sweeten if needed to your liking, and chill.

Niagara Grape Jelly

Ingredients:

• 4 cups Niagara grape juice
• 1 box fruit pectin
• 5 cups sugar

Instructions:
Wash and stem fresh grapes. Simmer with a bit of water, mash, and strain to get juice.
In a large pot, bring juice and pectin to a boil.
Add sugar all at once and stir constantly. Boil hard for 1 minute.
Pour into sterilized jars and seal.