Grapes

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While most grapes are grown in California or imported from South America, Wisconsin’s weather and soil are actually well suited for certain varieties of cold-resistant grape. Winemakers have taken notice, too—there are at least 10 in our Southern Wisconsin region alone and 45 in the state. You can also find wild grapes along roadsides, but be sure to learn from an experienced forager before tasting wild fruits.

Grapes are on the Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen” list of foods containing the highest pesticide levels. They’re also sprayed with fungicides. So it’s important to buy organic grapes when possible. Or try growing one or two vines in your backyard. It takes a few years for the vines to get established, but eventually you will have a small crop of delicious, organic grapes that you can eat out of hand or make into jelly or homemade wine.

Nutrition: All grapes contain vitamin C, potassium and some calcium. Red grapes also contain antioxidants in the skins, which also transfers in small quantities when making red wine.