Grapes Are Not Citrus Fruits - Differences Between Grapes and Citrus Explained

Are Grapes Considered a Citrus Fruit?

Grapes are one of the most popular fruits consumed around the world. Their sweet, juicy texture makes them an enjoyable snack and addition to many recipes. But there is often confusion around what type of fruit they are categorized as. So are grapes considered a citrus fruit?

The short answer is no, grapes do not belong to the citrus family of fruits. Instead, they are classified as berries and have a botanical makeup that differs from citrus fruits in many ways.

Botanical Classification of Grapes

Grapes belong to the genus Vitis and are classified as berries. More specifically, grapes used for wine and table grapes belong to the Vitis vinifera species. Other grape species exist, but Vitis vinifera accounts for the vast majority of commercial grape production.

In contrast, citrus fruits belong to the Rutaceae family. This includes fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit and others. So grapes and citrus fruits come from completely different botanical groups.

Differences Between Grapes and Citrus

There are several key differences between the physical characteristics and nutritional makeup of grapes versus citrus:

• Seeds: Grapes contain many small edible seeds, while citrus fruits have a few large inedible seeds.
• Juice: Grape juice cells are larger and more abundant than citrus juice cells.
• Acidity: Citrus fruits have higher acidity and a sour taste, while grapes are low acid with a sweet flavor.
• Skin: Grapes have smooth, thin edible skins. Citrus peels are thick, textured and generally not eaten.
• Sugars: Grapes contain glucose and fructose. Citrus has simple sugars but also some non-digestible sugars like hesperidin.
• Nutrients: Grapes and citrus share some nutrients like vitamin C, but citrus has more vitamin C and phytochemicals like limonoids.

Reasons Grapes Are Mistaken for Citrus

Given the major differences between grapes and citrus fruits, why are grapes sometimes mistakenly grouped with citrus?

Here are a few reasons for the confusion:

• Name association - The shared "grape" word in grapefruit's name
• Growing regions - Grapes and some citrus fruits may grow alongside each other
• Fruit salads - Grapes are often added to citrus-based fruit salads
• Nutrients - Both are good sources of vitamin C and antioxidants
• Acidity - Grapes have slightly more acidity than other fruits, although much less than citrus

But despite some common associations, grapes definitively belong to a separate botanical family from citrus fruits.

Grape Varieties and Cultivation

There are many different grape varieties grown around the world. The type of grape determines its ideal climate conditions, harvest season, uses and nutritional profile.

Major Grape Varieties

Some of the major grape varieties include:

• Chardonnay - Used for white wines. Green-yellow in color.
• Riesling - Fragrant white wine grape. Distinct fruity aroma.
• Pinot Noir - Classic red wine grape. Produces light-bodied red wines.
• Merlot - Major red wine variety. Deep bluish-black skin.
• Cabernet Sauvignon - Prominent red grape. Full-bodied wine with bold flavor.
• Muscat - Sweet and fragrant green grape. Often used for raisins.
• Concord - Deep purple slip-skin grape. Used for jams, juices and wines.

Grape Growing Conditions

Grapes grow best in temperate, Mediterranean-like climates. Ideal conditions include:

• Warm weather during the daytime growing season.
• Cooler nights that allow grapes to rest and acids to develop.
• Temperatures that remain above freezing in winter.
• Rich, well-draining soil.
• 250+ days per year without frost or severe cold.

Major grape producers include Italy, China, France, Spain and the United States (California).

Grape Harvesting

The grape harvest season typically occurs in the Northern Hemisphere from August to October. Grapes are picked by hand or by mechanical harvesters.

Grapes for wine are harvested when they reach optimal sugar and acidity levels. Table grapes are picked based on sweetness, size and color. Raisin grapes are allowed to dry on the vine before harvesting.

Nutrition Profile of Grapes

Grapes are highly nutritious, providing an array of vitamins, minerals and plant compounds. The exact nutrition content varies slightly based on grape color and cultivar. But in general, one cup (151g) of grapes contains:

• 104 calories
• 1 g protein
• Less than 1 g fat
• 27 g carbs
• 1 g fiber
• 23 g sugar
• 222 mg potassium (6% DV)
• 28.6 mg vitamin C (32% DV)
• 8.4 mcg vitamin K (7% DV)
• 0.115 mg vitamin B6 (6% DV)
• 0.057 mg copper (6% DV)
• Small amounts of magnesium, thiamin, iron and phosphorus

Grapes also contain polyphenols like resveratrol, catechins, anthocyanins and quercetin. These provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects.

Grape Skin and Seeds Nutrition

The skins and seeds of grapes are edible and make up about 13% of the fruit’s weight. They contain beneficial nutrients including:

• Fiber
• Potassium
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Polyphenols

The majority of the polyphenols in grapes are found in the skin and seeds. Therefore, consuming whole grapes may provide more antioxidants than grape juice alone.

Health Benefits of Grapes

Research shows that eating grapes regularly offers many potential health benefits. Here are some of the top ways grapes may boost your health:

Promote Heart Health

Grapes support a healthy heart in multiple ways. They lower blood pressure and cholesterol, reduce inflammation and oxidative damage, inhibit platelet aggregation and may improve arterial function.

Aid Blood Sugar Control

Despite their natural sugar content, grapes have a low glycemic index of around 43. Multiple studies found grape consumption helps regulate insulin, glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels.

Support Brain Function

The polyphenols in grapes may protect brain cells from oxidative damage that can lead to dementia and improve cognitive function during aging.

Reduce Cancer Risk

Grapes contain potent antioxidants like resveratrol that exhibit anti-cancer properties. Grape intake has been associated with lower risks for breast, colon and prostate cancers.

Support Vision Health

The antioxid

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.