NEW YORK GROWN FOOD GUIDE CONCORD grapes

F NYS FARM TO INSTITUTION NEW YORK STATE

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PMS P 141-7 C CMYK 87, 0, 81, 42 RGB 0, 116, 69 Western New York’s Concord grape industry exemplifies the very best of this state’s diverse agriculture. By expanding research and marketing opportunities for both Concord grape growers and processors, we can provide a boost to the agricultural community, grow business, and create new jobs in this region and across New York.

ANDREW M. CUOMO Governor, New York State

As a lifelong visitor to neighboring Chautauqua County, I know there is tremendous local pride in the fact that it is the world’s largest contiguous concord grape growing region. Concord grapes grown across the Lake Erie shoreline are an important part of the diverse agricultural landscape of New York State.

KATHY HOCHUL Lieutenant Governor, New York State

The juice of the grape is the liquid quintessence of concentrated sunbeams.

THOMAS LOVE PEACOCK English Novelist and Poet

ii NEW YORK GROWN FOOD GUIDE: CONCORD GRAPES Introduction Farm to Institution New York State (FINYS), Bite into a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or take a swig of pronounced “finesse,” is grape juice and you will instantly recognize the familiar flavor of a collaborative initiative Concord grapes. As the second largest grower of Concord grapes in the nation, New York has just the right climate and soil conditions led by American to grow this popular grape varietal. These sweet, tangy fruits are Farmland Trust working integral to New York’s history and economy, and certainly deserve to strengthen the a place on every institutional menu! Whether served in juice, jelly, economic security of pies, or savory entrées, Concord grapes are a hit with all diners and will become a regular on meal menus year-round. farmers and the health of New Yorkers by New York Grown Food Guides offer information and resources to support institutions in identifying, sourcing, and procuring local empowering institutions foods from the state. The guides, along with the Farm to Institution to spend at least 25% New York State Local Food Buyer Learning Center toolkit, equip of their food budget food service and procurement staff with education and training to on foods grown in New incorporate local products into meals to improve the health of New Yorkers and local economies statewide. York. Learn more at www.finys.org.

NEW YORK GROWN FOOD GUIDE: CONCORD GRAPES 1 Grapeful for Knowledge: Concord Grape Facts

 A grape is a fruit, botanically a berry, of the deciduous woody In 2018, NYS Department vines of the flowering plant genusVitis. 1 of Agriculture and Markets  Concord grapes, classified asVitis labrusca, contain a convened the first-ever chemical compound known as methyl anthranilate, which is New York State Concord used to give soft drinks and candy its grape flavor. Grape Summit to revitalize  Named after their city of origin, Concord, Massachusetts, and expand the state’s Concord grapes have been a part of American viticulture Concord grape industry. since 1854 and have wild, native, New England ancestors. Concord grapes are one of the oldest domestically cultivated Farmers, researchers and grapes grown today and are responsible for making value- industry leaders met with added products such as grape juice, wine, and jelly.2 state officials to identify  New York is the second largest producer of Concord grapes industry growth challenges in the U.S. Each year in New York, growers in the Lake and explore new Erie Concord Grape Belt produce 121,000 tons or more of opportunities for Concord Concord grapes on 30,000 acres of vineyards.3 grape growers in New  Grape-related production activities like growing, processing, York State. To elaborate and winemaking support nearly 2,000 jobs and contribute on the importance of $340 million in total economic impact in New York State.4 this fine fruit and how  Did you know that New York has its own Grape Discovery it supports New York’s Center in Westfield, NY? The Grape Discovery Center is the local economies, NYS official Visitor’s Center for the Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt, designated a New York State Heritage Area in 2006. Department of Agriculture Developed by the Concord Grape Belt Heritage Association, and Markets has created a it seeks to be an experiential destination that supports and short film: https://youtu. promotes the grape industry through sharing stories and be/k-qoWnO_27Y engaging, educating, and informing the public about all things grape.5

Phytonutrients Vitamins C and K Concord grapes are an excellent One cup of grapes, with about 100 source of the phytonutrient calories, provides more than a resveratrol, an important chemical quarter of the daily recommended that may help to minimize LDL values of vitamins K and C. Grape or “bad” cholesterol to support seeds, which are edible, are chock- healthy arteries.6 full of antioxidants.7

2 NEW YORK GROWN FOOD GUIDE: CONCORD GRAPES Product Availability, Pack Sizes, and Fruit Quality Characteristics

Concord grapes are a cyclical-type plant with crop yields averaging around six tons per acre. However, yields are impacted not only by weather and growing conditions but also by production trends.8 Concord grapes make up 80 percent of all grapes produced in New York, with the majority of the harvested fruit dedicated to juice. While available fresh in retail stores and farmers markets for out-of-hand eating and mouth-watering grape pies, Concord grapes for institutional markets are most practical in products such as juice, jelly, jams, concentrates, slushies, and smoothies. The selection and procurement of fresh Concord grapes is determined by knowledge of quality characteristics of the fruit. The information below identifies selection criteria and storage best practices.

QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS Cornell AgriTech has When selecting fresh Concord grapes, look for: developed the Everest  Grapes should be plump, not shriveled, with consistent color Seedless, a new table throughout the entire fruit. Check the base of the stem to ensure firmness. Concord grapes are a “slip-skin” variety with a thick, rather grape with Concord than thin skin (unlike a table grape). flavors that is double in  Stems should be green and pliable and not brown, brittle, or dried out. size, seedless, and ready  Avoid grapes that have accumulated excess moisture inside the bag as for eating out of hand. they will be susceptible to mold and/or rot. Announced in 2018, this  Concord grapes should have a white- to silver-colored dust called new grape offers another bloom that ensures the fruit is protected from dirt and moisture. option for grape growers  The majority of grapes should be securely attached to the stem, not around New York.* scattered in the bag. * http://news.cornell.edu/ stories/2018/09/big-blue- STORAGE everest-seedless-cornells- newest-grape  Do not wash grapes before storing and until ready to use.  Keep grapes in original packaging. Grape storage bags are specifically designed to protect fruit and ensure adequate ventilation.  Ideal temperature held at 30–32°F.  Ideal humidity at 90–95%.  Store in a protected area with limited air flow to limit dehydration.  Do not store grapes around strong smelling items such as onions and leeks to prevent odor absorption.  Shelf life of 1–2 weeks in cooler; longer shelf life if frozen.  Grapes are non-ethylene gas sensitive and ripening will not be affected by exposure from other ethylene-producing produce (apples, bananas, tomatoes).9

NEW YORK GROWN FOOD GUIDE: CONCORD GRAPES 3 NEW YORK CONCORD GRAPE PRODUCTS AND INFORMATION

Below are several Concord grape products available for institutional purchase. Product availability, sizes, and quantities are all subject to change, and we encourage you to confirm with distributors for updated products and ordering information.

CASE COUNT ITEM SIZE PACK (PER PALLET) SHELF LIFE ITEM CODE NY Juice Company Shelf 4 oz 96 56 12 months 9906172 Stable Juice Cup*

NY Juice Company ½ gal 6 50 8 months 1362121 Concord Grape Slush Concentrate*

Cool Tropics Welch’s 4 oz 96 56 9 months 17001 Shelf Stable Grape Apple Juice Cup

Cool Tropics Welch’s 4 oz 60 80 12 months 14501 Concord Grape Slush

* Product meets the requirements of the New York Grown & Certified program.

New York Grown & Certified Program, operated by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, indicates that farm products have been inspected for safe food handling and environmental stewardship. For more information: www.certified.ny.gov

4 NEW YORK GROWN FOOD GUIDE: CONCORD GRAPES Distributors

Below you will find information on sourcing New York Concord grape products. Distributors’ contacts are subject to change, and we encourage you to reach out to vendors directly to confirm availability and ordering procedures.

FULL SERVICE (BROADLINE) DISTRIBUTORS

 Sysco Albany https://sysco.com/Contact/Contact/Our-Locations/Albany 518-877-3200  Sysco Long Island https://sysco.com/Contact/Contact/Our-Locations/Long-Island 631-342-7400  Sysco Metro New York https://sysco.com/Contact/Contact/Our-Locations/Metro-New-York 201-433-2000  Sysco Syracuse https://sysco.com/Contact/Contact/Our-Locations/Syracuse 315-672-7000 or 800-736-6000  US Foods https://www.usfoods.com/locations.html#filterSimpleTags=us-foods:states/ny  Ginsberg Foods Inc. https://ginsbergs.com/ 518-828-4004 or 800-999-6006  Latina Boulevard Foods https://www.latinaboulevardfoods.com/ 716.656.8400  Renzi Foodservice http://www.renzifoodservice.com/ 315-788-5610 or 1-800-633-4311

NEW YORK GROWN FOOD GUIDE: CONCORD GRAPES 5 Preparation Suggestions and Recipes

PREPARATION IDEAS

 Mix grape juice and gelatin for healthy “grape squares” dessert.  Combine grape juice and frozen yogurt or frozen bananas for a healthy “Purple Cow” smoothie.  Combine grape juice or jelly and peanut butter/sunflower seed butter, yogurt, milk, and bananas for a stunningly delicious PB & J smoothie.  Simmer grape juice down with lime juice, lime zest, and grated ginger and drizzle over berries or fruit salad for a tropical twist.  Add berry seltzer with Concord grape juice for a celebratory sparkling beverage.  Reduce grape juice down to replicate a version of mosto cotto or saba, an ancient Italian condiment produced as a byproduct of balsamic vinegar. This sauce can be used to add complexity and sweetness to meat dishes, or drizzled on vegetables to give a flavor boost.  Make a Monte Cristo sandwich with ham, Swiss or Cheddar cheese, and grape jelly.  Add a grape jelly glaze to BBQ chicken, in sweet and sour meatballs, or slow cooked with smoked sausages.

Grape Banana Smoothie

PREP TIME: 10 min DIRECTIONS YIELD: 50 servings 1. Place bananas and grapes in freezer until firmly frozen. 2. Combine frozen fruits, yogurt, grape juice and cinnamon in INGREDIENTS blender and blend until smooth. Portion into cups and enjoy cold. Bananas, peeled and sliced, 25 each Greek yogurt, vanilla, 6.25 quarts Recipe adapted from Welchs.com Grapes, seedless, red, 6.25 quarts Concord grape juice, 6.25 quarts Cinnamon, ground, 1.5 tsp

6 NEW YORK GROWN FOOD GUIDE: CONCORD GRAPES Festive Berry Salad with Grape and Honey Glaze

COOKING TIME: 30 min DIRECTIONS SERVING: 0.5 cup 1. To make the grape and honey glaze, combine grape juice, honey, YIELD: 50 servings and vanilla in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring mixture to a boil and continue to cook uncovered until reduced INGREDIENTS by half. Transfer to a heatproof container and cool completely in Berry mix or assorted fruits, the fridge. 50 cups (3.125 gallons) 2. When ready to serve, divide the berries into portions and top Honey, 3.125 cups with 2 tablespoons grape and honey glaze each. If using, sprinkle Concord grape juice, 12.5 cups (3.125 quarts) with mint. Vanilla extract, 0.25 cups Mint, chopped, 6.25 tsp (optional) This berry fruit salad can be marinated for 10 minutes or overnight for an added burst of grape flavor.

Recipe adapted from Welchs.com

NEW YORK GROWN FOOD GUIDE: CONCORDCABBAGE GRAPES7 7 Chicken and Grape Kebabs with Thyme

COOKING TIME: 20 min DIRECTIONS SERVING: 0.5 cups 1. Put the extra virgin olive oil, yogurt, grape juice, thyme, bay YIELD: 50 servings leaf and garlic into a large sealable plastic freezer bag. Add 3 teaspoons of salt and 3 teaspoons of pepper to the marinade

INGREDIENTS and stir to combine. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for Chicken, thighs, boneless, skinless, 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. 12.5 lb. 2. Remove the chicken from the fridge 20 minutes before cooking. Yogurt, plain, 3.125 cups Remove pieces from the marinade and pat them dry; set aside Thyme, fresh, 50 sprigs on a clean plate. Meanwhile, submerge skewers in cold water for (~1 bunch) 10 minutes; this helps prevent flare-ups on the grill. Garlic, smashed, 37.5 cloves (~4 heads) 3. Onto each skewer thread a piece of chicken followed by a grape; Onion, red, coarsely chopped, repeat until the chicken and grapes are used up. Meanwhile, 12.5 ea. preheat a lightly oiled grill to medium-high heat. Olive Oil, 3.125 cups 4. Transfer the chicken skewers to the grill and cook for 4 minutes Grape juice, 12.5 cups (3.125 quarts) per side until completely cooked, about 16 minutes total. Let the Bay leaf, 13 each skewers rest for 10 minutes before serving. Grapes, 12.5 cups Salt & pepper, to taste NOTE: Instead of skewers, chicken and grapes can be baked on sheet trays or sautéed on the flat top.

Recipe adapted from Welchs.com

8 NEW YORK GROWN FOOD GUIDE: CONCORD GRAPES

Grape Glazed Carrots

COOK TIME: 30 min DIRECTIONS

YIELD: 60 servings 1. In a small cup, stir together 2 tbsp of the grape juice and the cornstarch for a slurry. INGREDIENTS 2. Bring one quart of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the Grape juice, 15 cups carrots and salt to the water. Cook until the carrots are tender. (3.75 quarts) Drain well and reserve. Carrots, medium, peeled, 1⁄4 in slices, 80 each 3. In the same saucepan, heat the remaining grape juice, sugar, and Brown sugar, 1.25 cups balsamic vinegar until boiling. Stir in the cornstarch mixture. Cornstarch, 1.25 cups Stirring constantly, simmer until the sauce thickens. Salt and pepper, to taste 4. Add the carrots and stir until coated. Pour into a serving bowl and Balsamic vinegar, 1.25 cups serve immediately.

This easy-to-make side dish is a great way to spice up your carrots.

Recipe adapted from Welch’s.com

NEW YORK GROWN FOOD GUIDE: CONCORDCABBAGE GRAPES9 9 Case Study: New York Concord Grapes to Schools Project

In spring of 2019, American Farmland Trust, as part of the collaborative initiative Farm to Institution New York State, joined students, teachers, and other staff at Armor Elementary School in Hamburg Central School District for a special New York Thursdays lunch. Hamburg is one of 10 school districts across the state that featured a taste test of New York State Grown & Certified Concord Grape Juice as part of the Grape-to-School Pilot Program. Developed in partnership with the state of New York, Grape- to-School built upon existing Farm to School and No Student Goes Hungry initiatives in New York to help introduce New York State Grown & Certified Concord Grape Juice to schools as an additional option to help reach their New York grown foods purchasing goals. Taste testing new local products, like the New York State Grown & Certified Concord Grape Juice, creates a low-pressure environment for both students and food service staff to promote a school culture of food curiosity and ultimately expand their school lunch menu. By offering smaller portions of new and potential menu items, taste tests increase the likelihood that students will try something new. Taste tests are especially effective when coupled with educational programming about the new food item or opportunities for students to participate in preparation. A review process at the end of a taste test—asking students to vote on whether or not they liked the taste test item—gives students agency over their school As you can see from meal options and gives the school food service staff confidence in the photos, students which new items would do well on the lunch menu. enthusiastically participated In Hamburg, the featured “Growing Grape” juice cups, processed in the festivities and the by New York Juice Company with Concord grapes sourced grape juice was a hit! from Westfield Maid Cooperative, were part of a locally-sourced lunch that included beef hot dogs from Slate Foods and milk from Upstate Farms—both also New York Grown and Certified— Marquart Farms’ New York Chips, and Bandit Beans from the Genesee Valley Bean Company. The event, organized by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets in collaboration with Hamburg Central Schools and American Farmland Trust, brought together representatives from the office of NYS Assembly member Sean Ryan, Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest NY, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County, and Slate Foods to help hand out samples and talk to students about farm to school.

10 NEW YORK GROWN FOOD GUIDE: CONCORD GRAPES Grapes in the Classroom

 California Table Grape Commission lesson plans for K–12 schools: https://www.grapesfromcalifornia.com/community- outreach/grapes-in-the-classroom/

 New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Produce Cards, including grape facts: https://www. agriculture.ny.gov/f2s/documents/NYSDAM_Produce_ Cards-2009.pdf

 Grape Lesson created by the Laurie M. Tisch Center for Food, Education & Policy, Teachers College, Columbia University (www.tc.edu/tisch) in conjunction with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Farm to School Program for the First Lady’s Challenge “Healthy Steps to Albany” (www.healthystepstoalbany.ny.gov): https://www. agriculture.ny.gov/f2s/documents/Classroom_Lessons_ TC_8_2009.pdf

 Oregon Harvest for Schools campaign featuring grape promotional and educational materials for classroom use: https://www.oregon.gov/ode/students-and-family/ childnutrition/F2S/Pages/OregonHarvestforSchools.aspx

 SNAP-Ed grape information: https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/ seasonal-produce-guide/grapes

NEW YORK GROWN FOOD GUIDE: CONCORD GRAPES 11 Concord Grape Resources

FARM TO INSTITUTION RESOURCES

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets  New York State Grown and Certified: https://certified.ny.gov/wheretobuy  Farm to School: https://www.agriculture.ny.gov/f2s/  Farmers Markets: https://www.agriculture.ny.gov/AP/farmers_markets.html  GAP or GHP Certified Farms: https://apps.ams.usda.gov/GAPGHP/reportG05.aspx  Harvest of the Month resources: https://www.agriculture.ny.gov/f2s/resources.html New York State Department of Education Farm to School: http://www.cn.nysed.gov/farmtoschool Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest New York: https://harvestny.cce.cornell.edu/ Local and Regional Food Systems at Cornell: http://localfood.cornell.edu/ Cornell Cooperative Extension Vegetable Program: https://cvp.cce.cornell.edu/ New York State Farm to School Work Group: http://nyfarmtoschool.com New York Farm Bureau: https://www.nyfb.org/resources Northeast Organic Farming Association: https://nofa.org/ National Resources Conservation Service: https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=NY Center for Agricultural Development & Entrepreneurship: http://www.cadefarms.org/

REGIONAL RESOURCES

 Adirondack North Country Association: https://www.adirondack.org/  Adirondack Farm to School Initiative: https://www.adkfarmtoschool.com/  Cornell Cooperative Extension Erie County Farm to School: http://erie.cce.cornell.edu/agriculture/farm-to-school  Food & Health Network of South Central New York: https://foodandhealthnetwork.org/farm-to-school/  Capital Roots: https://www.capitalroots.org

12 NEW YORK GROWN FOOD GUIDE: CONCORD GRAPES FOOD HUBS & AGGREGATORS

 Capital Roots: https://www.capitalroots.org/programs/virtual-veggie-mobile/  Catskills Food Hub: https://www.catskillsfoodhub.org  Corbin Hill Food Project: https://corbinhill-foodproject.org/  Farm Fresh: http://www.farmfreshny.com/local-produce.html  Field Goods: https://www.field-goods.com/  GrowNYC’s Greenmarket Co: http://www.greenmarketco.org  Headwater Food Hub: https://www.headwaterfoodhub.com  Jerry Shulman Produce: http://www.shulmanproduce.com/  North Star Food Hub: http://www.northstarfoodhub.com/  The Farm Bridge: https://thefarmbridge.com  The Hub on the Hill: https://www.thehubonthehill.org  Upstate Growers and Packers: https://www.unygap.com/

ENDNOTES

1 Wikipedia contributors. (2019, August 28). Grape. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 19:54, September 17, 2019, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Grape&oldid=912838118

2 https://www.specialtyproduce.com/produce/Concord_Grapes_20251.php

3 https://www.agriculture.ny.gov/AD/release.asp?ReleaseID=3725 New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to Promote New York Concord Grape Industry at National Restaurant Association Trade Show in Chicago Press Release—5/18/2018, New York Department of Agriculture and Markets.

4 Ibid.

5 http://www.grapediscoverycenter.com/about-the-grape-discovery-center

6 https://www.concordgrape.org/bodynutrition.html

7 https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/8-healthy-facts-about-grapes#1

8 https://www.farmcrediteast.com/knowledge-exchange/Blog/todays-harvest/concord-grape-belt

9 https://semcoice.com/cooling/cooling-storing-grapes-after-harvest/

NEW YORK GROWN FOOD GUIDE: CONCORD GRAPES 13 WWW.FINYS.ORG

F NYS FARM TO INSTITUTION NEW YORK STATE

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