What is unusual about the muscadine grape?
What makes Muscadine unique, however, is that it truly thrives in an environment where almost all other grapes cannot – where it is hot and wet. Muscadine is found throughout the entire Southern United States. In fact, it is the only grape variety that can actually grow in this climate.
Are muscadines deciduous?
Muscadine is a vigorous, high-climbing or prostrate, deciduous vine, sometimes reaching lengths in excess of 90 ft. Large leaves are round and shiny with broad, blunt teeth.
What animals eat muscadine?
Many animals and birds enjoy the fruit of the muscadine grape, including raccoons, squirrels and deer. In their pursuit of the fruit, these pests often strip the foliage as well.
What are the health benefits of muscadine grapes?
Muscadine grapes are fat free, high in fiber and they are high in antioxidants, especially ellagic acid and resveratrol. Ellagic acid has demonstrated anticarcinogenic properties in the colon, lungs and liver of mice. Resveratrol is reported to lower cholesterol levels and the risk of coronary heart disease.
Are muscadines native?
Vitis rotundifolia, commonly called the Muscadine Grape is a native, deciduous climbing vine unique to the American South. In nature, it is typically found in dry upland forests with especially sandy or rocky soil, swamps, roadsides, and thickets. It is the most common and familiar grape.
Do muscadines spread?
Wild muscadine grapes, often known as scuppernongs, are native to the southeastern Unites States. They have been cultivated in that area for more than 400 years and are still grown there today. Because these grapes won’t survive freezing winter weather, they never spread across the country in the wild.
How long do muscadine grape vines grow?
Muscadines can produce fruit for over 20 years with proper care. They will start bearing fruit the 2nd to 3rd year in the ground and will reach maximum production their 4th year. Usually between 15 and 20 years they are more prone to cold damage and will not produce as much as younger vines.
Do male muscadines produce fruit?
Muscadine flowers can be either male, female, or self-fertile (or perfect). In nature, vines are either female or male, and only the female vines set fruit. Thus, production was reduced because the male vines produce no fruit.
Will muscadines grow in shade?
Choose the right spot to plant. All muscadines need six to eight hours of sun each day and will thrive in rich, organic soil that has been mixed deep-down with ample compost or soil conditioner. A light application of phosphate-heavy fertilizer (5-10-5) is just right.
Do muscadine grapes taste good?
Muscadines are only partially related to more domesticated grapes. They’re wild and they taste like it. The inner flesh is rich and thick, with an intense sweetness like a Concord grape, and they have tough spicy skins that taste like plums. This is a rich, spicy, almost smoky jam.
Are muscadines healthier than grapes?
Muscadine grapes contain more of this compound than other types of grapes, and some of the highest antioxidant levels among all fruits, which means that muscadine wine is likely richer in this antioxidant than other types.