Time for Muscadine

August is here with its hot and humid days and the muscadine grapes are loving it.  They are fast ripening--getting ready for picking and eating.  Here at the Back Forty, we don't have to worry about making any jams or jellies; we are going to enjoy eating 'em.



Red grapes as well as the red
muscadines are healthful.  To mention a few benefits, they boost the heart functions; lower cholesterol and the blood pressure; aid the immune system and may aid in prevention of mild memory loss; and finally reduce signs of aging.  What more can you ask for?

To make jam, prepare the grapes by removing the seeds and I will keep the skin but chop the grapes.  For 2 quarts of grapes, 6 cups of sugar is recommended.  The cooking time is a bit long without store bought pectin.  Let it simmer and stir often.



So far, we have only gotten less than a quart (I'm sure) of dark red mescadine grapes.  They are somewhat bitter or sour and contain rather large seeds, but eating the grapes will aid in whatever ails me.

Only muscadine grapes are grown in Florida.  It is too hot for other grapes; however, juices of other grapes are trucked in for wine making.

There are some vineyards that offer "pick your own" and that is always fun.  Try it!

Thank you for visiting my blog.  Enjoy the rest of the summer.  School will start soon.