How to Pick Wild Grapes

Grapes are a wonderfully nutritious food that are the basis for jams, jellies and of course wine. But rather than trying to search through bunches of grapes at your supermarket that have been processed and shipped, you can pick wild grapes right off of the vine. Because they are fresh, the flavor will absolutely burst in your mouth. Here's how to pick wild grapes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Shears or scissors
• Bucket
• Drop cloth

1. Spread your drop cloth underneath the grapes. Because you are picking wild grapes, chances are you are not amidst acres of well kept vines. By placing the drop cloth you catch the grapes that are a bit more fragile (and perhaps really ripe) as you start with work the vine.
2. Snip the grape clusters using your shears from the vine.
3. Inspect the cluster and remove any rotten or malformed grapes, then place in your bucket.
4. Wash your grapes once you arrive home; because they are wild, they are more susceptible to dirt, grime and worms.
5. Eat your grapes straight from the cluster or separate your grapes from the cluster for jams, jellies or for pressing to make your own wine.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are adverse to grape stained hands, wear gardening gloves.
• Most grapes are usually harvested in the fall. Look for them to be ripe beginning in September.