Grapes are botanically classified as berries. They are produced by flowering vines belonging to the genus Vitis, also known simply as grape vines.
Around the world, grapes are consumed raw or dried, as well as turned into oil, juice, or wine. They are also used as an ingredient in various dishes.
But, the question is, are grapes considered a stone fruit?
Quick Answer: No, grapes are not considered a stone fruit. Although some grapes are fleshier than others, as well as containing larger and harder seeds, most grape seeds are small enough and soft enough to crunch with ease. Without thicker inner flesh, and a stone inside, they do not qualify as stone fruit.
Are Grape Stones Freestone or Clingstone?
If grapes were considered stone fruit, most varieties would be classified freestone because the seeds come out with very little issue. The real problem with removing grape seeds is that they are so small, and are dispersed throughout the watery interior of the grape.
That means if you squeeze the grapes to rid them of seeds, you also push out all the good stuff. In that sense, perhaps some grape species could be qualified as clingstone after all.
Similar Stone Fruits
A few of the most similar stone fruits to grapes (if they were stone fruit) include:
- Cherries are quite similar to large grape varieties, they are round, juicy, grow from a flowering species, and contain a large central seed (qualifying them as stone fruits)
- Plums are one of the most similar stone fruits to grapes that there is, they are sort of like oversized grapes with a big hard stone in their center
- Nectarines are another type of stone fruit that is similar to grapes in that they grow from a flowering species and are round and juicy fruits (with large hard stones inside)
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!
