Do Concord Grapes Ripen After They Are Picked?

Concord grapes are native to North America

Generally not consumed as a table grape, the Concord grape variety is known for its usage in jams, jellies and fruit drinks. Commercial harvesting is done in October, when the grapes are at their peak of ripeness.

Background

The Concord grape belongs to the European purple grape family, but it is the only variety native to North America and distinguished by its loose skin and plentiful seeds. Concord grape vines are harvested by commercial growers, although home gardeners may purchase Concord cuttings for individual planting.

Ripening Timeline

Once a Concord grape is picked from the vine it will no longer ripen, according to the Purdue University Consumer Horticulture website, so determining the grape's ripeness before picking is a must. Concord grapes will be purple in color, have dark inner seeds, a sweeter flavor, a whitish color on the outer skin and be firm to the touch.

Uneven Ripening

While some Concord grapes will ripen in a complete cluster, others may remain green, fully-formed and unedible. A condition common with Concord grapes and caused by hot weather seasons, this uneven ripening will not effect the other edible, purple grapes in the cluster.

References

• Purdue University Consumer Horticulture: Harvesting Grapes
• Concord Grape Association

Resources

• Grape Science: Concord Grapes and Health
• Concord Grape Growing
• Welch's: Power of the Concord Grape