Coronation (grape)

A cluster of Coronation grapes

A Coronation grape with the outer skin removed

Coronation grapes (formally, Sovereign Coronation^{[1][2][3]:196}) are a "virtually seedless" hybrid variety of table grape developed in Canada.^[2] Coronation grapes are popular throughout Canada,^[4] and are available during a short period in late summer and early fall.^[5] These grapes are characterized by their "vibrant blue-purple"^[6] colour, similar to the related Concord variety.^[1]

Development

Agriculture Canada's Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre in Summerland, British Columbia developed the Sovereign Coronation grape in the 1970s.^[2] This project was directed by Lyall Denby, as part of the Plant Breeding Program.^[2]

The Coronation grape is a hybrid of two North American varieties: the black Patricia (not to be confused with the white Lady Patricia^[3]:197) and the Himrod.^[2]

Agriculture

Coronation grapes are a "fairly hardy variety" of grape^[2] and are most productive in relatively cool climates.^{[3]:196–197}

The grapes ripen as early as late August, and are consequently available earlier than traditional varieties.^[2] Availability ranges from late August to early September in Ontario^[4][5][6] and early September to early October in British Columbia.^[2]

In 2007, an estimated 2.2 million kilograms of Coronation grapes were produced in Ontario.^[6] Despite having only been introduced to the Niagara region in 2000,^[6] in 2008 they were the most abundantly grown seedless table grape in southern Ontario.^[1]

Use in cuisine

Coronation grapes

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy	273 kJ (65 kcal)
Carbohydrates	17 g
- Sugars	16 g
- Dietary fibre	1 g
Fat	0 g
- saturated	0 g
- trans	0 g
Protein	1 g
Sodium	2 mg (0%)
Cholesterol	0 mg
Source: Ontario Tender Fruit Producers[5]

The flavour of the Coronation grape has been variously described as a "sweet-and-sour taste that bursts in the mouth",^[1] "sophisticated [and] deliciously sweet",^[4] a "mild sweet taste",^[5] "distinctive [and] musky",^[2] and "an odd, off taste".^[3]:197

The grapes can be eaten fresh, or incorporated into fruit preserves, sauces and desserts.^[1][4][5][6] The raw grapes can be stored in a refrigerator for up to ten days, or frozen without loss of colour or flavour.^[6]

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d e} Cuthbert, Pamela (2008-09-10 04:30 (EDT)), "Consumers go for regally named grape", Toronto Star (Torstar), ISSN 0319-0781, OCLC 1767637, http://www.thestar.com/article/496244, retrieved 2009-09-22, "They might have a fancy sounding name, but Sovereign Coronation grapes are the most commonly planted variety of seedless table grapes in southern Ontario. A descendant of the deep-blue Concord, they have their ancestor's characteristic sweet-and-sour taste that bursts in the mouth." 
2. ^ ^{a b c d e f g h i} "Fresh Market Grapes", British Columbia Grapegrowers Association website (Grand Forks, BC, Canada: British Columbia Grapegrowers Association), 2008-12-04 [2007], archived from the original on 2008-05-14, http://web.archive.org/web/20080514012643/http://www.grapegrowers.bc.ca/freshmarket.shtml, retrieved 2009-09-22, "The key fresh table grape variety now in the marketplace is the Sovereign Coronation grape. The Coronation grape was developed under the Plant Breeding Program directed by Lyall Denby in the 1970s. Created at the Agriculture Canada Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre, Summerland, the Coronation grape is a cross between native North American varieties Patricia and Himrod." 
3. ^ ^{a b c d} Rombough, Lon (2002), The Grape Grower, White River Junction, VT, U.S.A.: Chelsea Green Publishing, ISBN 9781890132828, OCLC 49351733, http://books.google.com/?id=RlcIZ2HbUvYC, retrieved 2009-09-22, Lay summary, "Sovereign Coronation. (Patricia × Himrod) Summerland, British Columbia, Canada. This black grape seems to be at its best in very cool climates." 
4. ^ ^{a b c d} DeMontis, Rita (2009-09-16), "Purple reign", The London Free Press (London, ON, Canada: Sun Media), ISSN 0839-0681, OCLC 317945200, http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/Today/Food/2009/09/16/10929236-sun.html, retrieved 2009-09-22, "Virtually seedless with a deep, vibrant purple colour, these are not your average table grapes." 
5. ^ ^{a b c d e} "Ontario Coronation Table Grapes", Ontario Tender Fruit Producers website (Mississauga, ON, Canada: Faye Clack Communications), 2006, archived from the original on 2007-11-16, http://web.archive.org/web/20071116101736/http://www.ontariotenderfruit.com/index.php?state=category~5, retrieved 2009-09-22, "Ontario Coronation Table Grapes - available August 18 to September 15." 
6. ^ ^{a b c d e f} Bain, Jennifer (2007-08-22 04:30 (EDT)), "Coronation grapes rule", Toronto Star (Torstar), ISSN 0319-0781, OCLC 1767637, archived from the original on 2008-02-22, http://web.archive.org/web/20080228040048/http://www.thestar.com/comment/columnists/article/248461, retrieved 2009-09-22, "The Ontario Fresh Grape and Tender Fruit Growers, says this year's Coronation table grape harvest is estimated at 2,200 tons. Combined with 500 tons of the traditional varieties (Fredonia and Concord) that's up eight per cent from last year."