If you’re a candy fan, you’re probably delighted to know that there are other fruits like cotton candy grapes for you to try. Better still, not only do these 6 other varieties also taste like our beloved “fairy floss”, they’re actually good for you!
1. Moon Drops
If you love grapes, you’ll have to try Moon Drops. They’re dark blue-purple, shaped like tubes, and taste like a mix of cotton candy and gumdrops. These beauties were bred by the Grapery in Bakersfield, California, and are available across the country. They really are candy sweet in flavor, with a satisfying crunch to their flesh.
Just note that they’re only available for a few months every year. Look for them from mid July through to October for ultimate ripeness. Then, serve them with pistachios, almonds, walnuts, and sharp vegan cheese on your next charcuterie board.
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2. Moscato rosa del Trentino Grapes
These beautiful, pale pink muscat (moscado) grapes are normally used to make very sweet dessert wines. They smell like roses, and taste like a cross between cotton candy and Turkish delight. You have to try them yourself to determine which one they taste like to you!
The grapes themselves are absolutely gorgeous to snack on. Of course, if you can’t find them anywhere near you, consider trying some of the wines made from them instead.
3. Chilean Guavas
Have you heard of Chilean guavas before? They’re pretty rare outside of South America, as they thrive in the cool, spring-like texture that Chile and Argentina. If you live in a more temperate climate, however, you might be able to grow them yourself.
The fruits are deep reddish-pink, and taste like cotton candy mixed with vanilla ice cream. They’re an absolute treasure, and if you happen to get your hands on some, you’ll understand why.
4. Panama Berries (aka Cotton Candy Tree Fruit)
These are also known as “cotton candy berries”, and understandably so. Their round, bright red fruits are filled with creamy brown flesh that tastes just like cotton candy. If you love cotton candy grapes and want to indulge your sweet tooth with similar fruits, these are must-haves.
The only problem you might run into is finding them fresh. They’re native to the Pacific Islands, but you can find them growing in Brazil and parts of Florida. If you’re very lucky, you may be able to find them at some South American grocery stores.
5. Sapodilla
Sapodilla fruits (also known as “chico” or “chikoo”) can be found growing throughout South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Inside their wrinkled brown skins, they have grainy-textured flesh that tastes absolutely incredible. The flavor is like a mix of cotton candy, brown sugar, and custard.
Look for them at Mexican and South American grocery stores. If you can’t find them fresh, you may be able to find them in paste, jam, or dried form.
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6. Haskap
Haskap fruits are also known as “honeyberries”, and they taste like cotton candy that’s been whipped up from honey and nectar. Honestly, they’re some of the most flavorful, sweetest berries you’ll ever try. They’re part of the honeysuckle family, and only grow in cool, northern areas of Canada, Japan, and Eastern Europe.
See if you can find them at a local farmer’s market. Alternatively, if you live in a cooler region of the USA, UK, or Europe, you can try to grow them yourself. Additionally, as a final option, it’s easy to find haskap jam, jelly, and other fruity preserves online. This stuff is amazing on toast, but just as gorgeous spooned right out of the jar and into your face.
Sugar lovers around the world can rejoice about these beautiful fruits like cotton candy grapes. After all, what’s better than a snack that tastes like candy but is actually good for you? It almost sounds too good to be true.
You should be able to find several of these fruits at specialty grocery stores, if you live in a mid- to large-sized city. Alternatively, if you’re fortunate enough to live in a location where these grow wild, just go foraging! Also, remember that you can ask supermarket managers to special order items for you if they don’t already carry them.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
