The domestication of most grape varietals grapes originated in what is now southern Turkey. Yeast, one of the earliest domesticated microorganisms, occurs naturally on the skins of grapes, leading to the innovation of alcoholic drinks such as wine. Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics record the cultivation of red and purple grapes, and history attests to the ancient Greeks, Phoenicians and Romans growing grapes for both eating and wine production. Later, the growing of grapes spread to Europe, North Africa, and eventually North America. Today, red, white and varietal grapes are common global fruit source for fresh consumption and also as processed ingredients for making wines and a variety of food and beverage products.

Over the years, as the health benefits of fruits have become a focus for good nutrition and healthy diets, the grape, especially deeply color grapes, has been recognized for its substantial health benefits, including the very important flavonoid reseveratrol, a key phytonutrient in the French Paradox health benefit discussions.

Red, and dark colored grapes contain significant amounts of flavonoids and polyphenols, such as resveratrol and quercitin, known to provide potential health maintaining properties. Red and purple grapes rank high for antioxidant strength.

Most of the flavonoids and polyphenols are concentrated in the skin, so it is important to consume grape products that extract a maximum amount of these important phytonutrients from the skin. These compounds are known to contribute to heart health in two major ways:

1. Reducing platelet clumping and blood clots
2. Protecting against LDL Cholesterol from free radical attack and adhesion to the arteries.

Resveratrol is believed to be a true cancer fighter, and protect against cancers of the liver, lung, prostate and breast. Resveratrol also is known to reduce the incidence of Alzheimers disease by breaking down the amyloid beta peptides which develop in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.

Red and dark colored grapes are also an excellent source of Saponins, and Pterostilbene, which are believed to help reduce cholesterol in the blood.

Encore Fruit Marketing can provide an excellent source of red grape juice concentrate to help consumer products deliver one of the 5 A Day fruit servings.

Red grape juice concentrate is carefully processed from freshly harvested ripe grapes to provide the essential nutrition, flavor and color, in a convenient, ready to use ingredient form for processed beverage and food applications. Red grape juice concentrate is an excellent ingredient to add a fruit serving to your retail label for beverages, cakes, pies, pastries, sauces, jellies and other processed foods like nutrition bars and snacks.

Contact Encore Fruit Marketing today for product samples and information on red grape juice concentrate at www.encorefruit.com or Click Here to use our convenient Contact Form.