How to Harvest Muscadine Grapes

Harvest muscadine grapes once they ripen and have a deep purple color.

Muscadine grapes have a dark purple color that almost appears black when they ripen. The skin on the grapes remains tough, which makes eating the raw grapes a challenge. The grapes are mainly used to make wines, juice and jelly. Harvesting the muscadine grapes will require adequate planning. The grapes will fall from the vines once they ripen, but you will need to prepare for this properly so that you can harvest the grapes efficiently.

Things You'll Need

• Tarp
• Gardening gloves

Instructions

1. Spread a tarp under the muscadine grapevines once the grapes begin to drop. Check on the grapes periodically once they deepen in color so that you can plan appropriately.

2. Wear gardening gloves to protect your hands. Grab one of the grapevines, and shake it gently. The ripe grapes will fall from the vine, and the unripe ones will remain on the vine.

3. Grab each corner of the tarp, and bring the corners together in the middle. Move the tarp to transport the grapes. Inspect the grapes for inadequacies, and remove any grapes that have cracked skin or discoloration.

4. Harvest the grapes until the end of October when the harvesting season ends. Check on the grapes every day, and place the tarp under the vines when the grapes begin to fall.

References

• California Rare Fruit Growers: Muscadine Grape Fruit Facts
• University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service: Muscadine Grape Production in the Home Garden
• University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences: The Muscadine Grape