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The muscadine was described by Sir Walter Raleigh, the
English explorer, in 1584 after landing on the coast of what is now North
Carolina.
Vitis rotundifolia, the bronze or purple-black fruit that
was growing profusely throughout the southeastern United States more than 400
years ago is now being researched as a health food.
Scientists with USDA's Agricultural Research Service and
Mississippi State University are predicting that the muscadine will become on
of the newest health foods.
Research conducted by ARS horticulturist James B. Magee
and Mississippi State nutritionist Betty J. Ector has found significant amounts
of resveratrol in muscadines. Resveratrol is the compound in French red and
white wines that is being touted as an agent for lowering cholesterol levels
and the risk of coronary heart disease. This compound is found in the skin,
pulp and seeds of the muscadine grape.
Muscadines also contain elegiac acid a natural organic
compound thought to inhibit the start of cancer caused by certain chemicals.
Ms. Ector has found through her research that a puree of
muscadine skins and pulp is an excellent source of resveratrol, dietary fiber,
and some essential minerals. It is also high in carbohydrates and low in fat
and protein.
Ms Ector also reported that powdered muscadine puree has
more dietary fiber than oat or rice bran. High fiber consumption is known to
lower blood pressure, serum triglycerides and both total and LDL (bad)
cholesterol levels. |
Research is being done using a muscadine product as an
additive to beef patties containing 15 to 20 percent fat. This could be an
excellent way to get resveratrol into the average diet.
One-half serving (two fluid ounces) of unfiltered
muscadine juice, one serving of muscadine jam or one medium muffin made from
muscadines has about the same amount of resveratrol as four fluids ounces of
red wine.
Juice, jellies, jams, preserves, syrups and dessert
toppings can be made from muscadines and are currently available in many
specialty stores.
If you want to grow your own muscadines, now through
February is a great time to plant. There are many excellent varieties available
and we have information available at the County Extension office.
Getting your vines off to a good start is very important.
Make sure you get plants with large root systems. Dig your hole large enough to
spread the roots out fully. Avoid the smooth or slick sides of a hole you can
get in some soils.
Adding peat or humus to the soil and pruning sparingly
should help your plants get off to a great start. With proper care you should
have a crop in three years. |
