
#Grape leaf code
The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This information is for educational purposes only. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
#Grape leaf full
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Although canned grape leaves are available in some grocery stores, there are currently no research-tested methods for safely canning grape leaves at home.įor more information on keeping your family's food safe, visit MSU Extension's Safe Food & Water website. When ready to use, thaw them safely and cook immediately. Per the University of California Cooperative Extension, the grape leaves will keep for only six months in the freezer. You should also provide a half-inch headspace to allow for expansion. Make sure your bags are dated and labeled. Remove as much air from the bags as possible. Pat the leaves dry with a paper towel and store them in plastic freezer bags. Once cooled, remove from the ice bath, and drain the water well. After blanching, cool the grape leaves immediately in ice-cold water. Bring the water back to a rolling boil before each batch.

Blanch in batches of 12-15 leaves at a time. Blanch grape leaves in the brine until soft, about one to two minutes depending on the size of your leaves. Add four cups of water and one cup of salt to a stockpot and bring to a rolling boil. To blanch, you will first need to make a brine. Prior to freezing fresh grape leaves, they need to be blanched.

Rinse each leaf under cold, running water to wash off any pesticide residue and bacteria. Then move on to the next vine and repeat the process.īefore handling the grape leaves, wash your hands for 20 seconds with warm, soapy water. According to the University of California Cooperative Extension, for the best quality leaves, count three leaves from the newly grown leaves at the end of the vine and pick the next few leaves down. Massive and older leaves will be less tender than the younger and smaller ones. If desired, you can also grow them in your own garden! However, since grapes must be kept off the ground, they can be grown on an arbor or trellis. It is best to pick them before the first spray in the spring. Choose leaves without pesticides, fungicides or herbicides on them. You will want to avoid leaves with holes, and should pick the ones that appear light green, shiny and smooth. Picking them earlier in the morning is also optimal because, at this time, no grapes will be present on the vine.

The months of May and early June are the best seasons for finding ripe, fresh and high-quality leaves. To obtain fresh grape leaves, it is a common practice among Arab-Americans to scavenge and pick them right off the vine. Occasionally, you may find canned grape leaves in the world foods aisle or Mediterranean section of a market. In the U.S., fresh grape leaves are not readily available in retail grocery stores. For example, according to a recent study consuming grape leaves and other stuffed vegetables may enhance a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease among Jordanians.

Grape leaves contain many phytochemicals and antioxidants that may contribute to overall positive health. In addition, they are also high in fiber, folate and vitamins A and K. Grape leaves are very nutritious and according to the USDA, they are a great source of minerals such as calcium, iron and potassium. The dish usually involves rice, ground lamb or beef, and various herbs and spices mixed and rolled into a grapevine leaf. In Middle Eastern and Greek cultures, stuffed grape leaves are a traditional and popular dish. Photo: Ghaida Batarseh Havern/MSU Extension.
