Typically small, round or oval-shaped berries that grow on vines. Grapes have played a significant role in human culture, diet, and agriculture. Apart of the genus vitis. That include a variety of species. Many are used for making wine, eating, and producing grape products like raisins and grape juice. From neolithic times and beyond. They are known for their sweet and juicy flavor.

Egyptian hieroglyphic records show grape cultivation
One of the earliest domesticated micro-organisms to benefit humans. Is believed to be from Grapes. Cleansing the grapes skin with water, and adding to a starch or starter. Creates yeast.

In Georgia the earliest dominant position of wine making in human culture exist. From around 8,000 years ago.

While close by in Armenia. The oldest known winery has been found. Including containers and glasses.
The region between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. Including Georgia, Turkey, Armenia and Iran. And, during the neolithic age. Grapes and wine making may have became most desirable. Eventually consumed in Mesopotamia, and Greece. It was associated with Luxury. And, neolithic civilization. Grapes and wine begin to be consumed by elites. Into the chalcolithic ages, roman times, and beyond. By the middle ages, even monestaries becoming centers of wine production, development and knowledge.

Heard it thru the grapevines
Native to the Mediterranean and central Asia. Most domesticated grapes come from cultivars of Vitis vinifera. It is believed that this species was brought to the Americas. There are also many smaller American and Asian species.

Did you know? In the 1930s, 5500 year old wine jars were discovered in Cyprus. Believed to be on the traders ‘wine route’.

Nutrition
Raw grapes are 81% water. With 18% carbohydrates; and 1% protein.
A 100 gram (3.5 ounce) portion. Supplies 69 calories of energy (check). And supply 14% of the recommended daily value of vitamin K.

Dried grapes are called rasins
Currants are dried zante black corinth grapes. A change from the French raisin de Corinthe (Corinth grape)
Sultanas are originally from Turkish origin

Juice and wine
Crushing and blending grapes into a liquid makes grape juice. Often, and if it is not consumed in timely fashion. Fermenting it. And, making wine.

In religion
Christians traditionally use wine during worship. As a means of remembering the blood of there gods son, Jesus Christ. And, that he shed livlihood for the remission of others sins. Some say. It was the tradition set by the early christianity. In 1983. The Code of Canon Law of the Catholic Church. Canon 924 says: ” wine used must be natural, made from grapes of the vine, and not corrupt.”

In summary, grapes have a rich history that spans thousands of years. From discoveries in the middle east, during the neolithic era, and to global cultivation. Including an importance to wine making and agriculture. Grapes are not only delicious but also nutritious. A good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They will continue to be a versatile and valued fruit in today’s world.

Bibliography:
This, Patrice; Lacombe, Thierry; Thomash, Mark R. (2006). “Historical Origins and Genetic Diversity of Wine Grapes” (https://web.archive.org/web/20131004224603/https://www.rz.uni-karlsruhe.de/~db45/Studiendekanat/Lehre/Master/Module/Botanik_1/M1401/Evolution_Zellbiologie/This%20et%20al%202006.pdf)

McGovern, Patrick E. (2003). Ancient Wine: The Search for the Origins of Viniculture (http://www.penn.museum/sites/biomoleculararchaeology/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Georgia%20Wine.pdf) Princeton University Press.

McGovern, P. E. “Georgia: Homeland of Winemaking and Viticulture” (https://web.archive.org/web/20130530202942/http://winehistory.com/2i.htm)

Keys, David “The Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist” (https://web.archive.org/web/20120111144148/http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05573a.htm)

“Altar wine, Catholic encyclopedia” (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01358a.htm)