General Information
Kyoho grapes are very large in size and round to oval in shape, averaging about the size of a small plum and grow in uniform clusters on well-pruned vines. The berries have dark purple, almost jet-black skin that is thick, firm, glossy, and bitter with a natural bloom, or powdery film that protects the grapes from fermenting and moisture loss. Kyoho grapes are a slip-skin variety, which means the skins can easily be separated from the flesh without damage. Kyoho grapes have an incredibly juicy, translucent green flesh that is almost gelatinous in texture with moderately low acid content. They are extremely sweet with a sugar content of about 18 to 20 Brix (the average table grape is closer to 12 Brix) and usually contain large fully developed, bitter seeds.
History
Kyoho grapes were first bred and cultivated in Japan in 1937, but it wasn’t until 1946 that they were officially named. They have since been established outside of their native home and have become a successful crop in both California and Chile. Today Kyoho grapes can be found at specialty markets in Japan, China, Korea, Chile, and the United States.
