It might just be a "Perth Perk" but living in close proximity to some premium grape growing areas (*waves at the Swan Valley & Margaret River) means we're spoilt for choice when it comes to these tiny orbs of juicy sweetness. A deliciously refreshing snack, excellent salad addition (more on that below) or lunchbox inclusion these guys are currently at their absolute peak (Feb) with the season running from Jan to March, so consider this your sign to stock up & enjoy. Now if the thought of picking individual grapes from the stem to stash in a school lunchbox is giving you second thoughts we've got a handy hack to help. More into lunchbox art or have a party snack to create? We've got a grape little trick for that too...watch on dear piggos.
You'll need:
- Cold Grapes (always better cold guys, trust us)
- Clean Tea Towel
- Sharp Knife
- Wooden Skewers
Method:
- 🍇 Wash your bunch of grapes thoroughly (we like to soak in some salty water & rinse well).
- 🍇 Place the bunch on one half of a clean tea towel & fold the other half over - tuck that lil guy in.
- 🍇 Gently press down and roll the bundled grapes back and forth, you should feel them start to come off the stalks and roll around under the tea towel as you move your hands.
- 🍇 Unfold the towel and VOILA! You’ll have the grape loose from the stalk & ready to sort through, eat or perhaps throw in the air and try to catch with your mouth...#dontknockittillyoutryit
- 🍇 Feeling fancy? Got grapes that are lovely and long in shape? Cut on an angle, turn one half around and thread onto a skewer to make "lovehearts" - perfect for a party platter or a lunchbox deeeelight.
Some other grape ideas:
- Roast whole grapes with a drizzle of olive oil & add to a salad of mixed leaves with chopped hazelnuts, a delicious sherry dressing & chonks of creamy goats cheese scattered for good measure. Or roast & drizzle with honey before piling onto a cheese platter or giant soft cheese to be scooped up with crusty bread.
- Freeze whole grapes for a delicious hot weather snack (use caution with younger kids for this one #chokinghazard) or pop into a chilled bevvy as an ice cube that won't melt.
- Need a Grape Chicken Salad? Shred BBQ chicken with chopped grapes, finely diced celery, chopped almonds, and a garlicky/lemon/yoghurt-based dressing - pile into lettuce cups or serve with shredded cos for a hot weather deeeelight.
- A Grape Salsa is diced grapes with red onion, jalapeño, coriander, lime juice, and salt. Delightful with a salty corn chip or piled onto grilled chicken thighs.