They’re the thick-skinned, super-sized cousin of table grapes! Because of their thick skins and large seeds, they are more concentrated in protective antioxidants than any other grape.
Muscadines grow in the wild throughout the southeastern United States, spreading into eastern Texas and as far north as Virginia.
Years of breeding have led to many varieties of muscadines, with some better for fresh consumption and others better for juice and wine-making. Vineyards and wineries throughout the south plant specific cultivars based on size, yield, juice quality, harvest period, etc.
“Picking muscadines to enjoy as juice along with muscadine pie on grandmother’s back porch has a strong place in childhood memories of many native Southerners.” (Olien 1990)