It’s that time of year again—our muscadines are ripe and ready to pick, and we couldn’t be more excited. These beautiful Southern grapes are one of our absolute favorites in the garden, and they never disappoint when late summer rolls around.
What Are Muscadines?
Muscadines (Vitis rotundifolia) are a type of grape native to the southeastern United States. They’re larger and thicker-skinned than typical store-bought grapes, with a rich, sweet flavor that’s truly one of a kind. Some are dark purple or black, while others are bronze (often called “Scuppernongs”). We have these too.
They grow well in warm, humid climates, and they’ve been a staple in Southern gardens for generations.
Why We Love Them
We’ve grown muscadines for several years now, and they’re always a highlight of the season. They’re relatively low-maintenance, come back strong year after year, and produce plenty of fruit for eating, preserving, and sharing.
Not only are they delicious, but they’re also packed with antioxidants and nutrients—making them as healthy as they are tasty.
Harvest Time
Right now, the vines are heavy with ripe fruit. If you’re growing your own, you’ll know they’re ready when they come off the stem easily with a gentle pull. We like to harvest in the cooler morning hours, when the fruit is at its freshest.
Looking Ahead: Juice, Jelly & Wine
We have big plans for this year’s harvest:
- Muscadine Juice: Naturally sweet and full of flavor, perfect for drinking fresh or freezing.
- Homemade Jelly: One of our favorite pantry staples—and a great gift!
- Wine: We’ve been experimenting with small-batch muscadine wine, and this year’s crop looks promising.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about muscadines that brings back the best kind of memories—summer afternoons, sticky fingers, and the satisfaction of growing something that gives back in so many ways. And two bunnies were saved along the way – right Chuck!
If you’ve never tried muscadines before, we highly recommend adding them to your garden. And if you’re harvesting now like we are—happy picking!