Kyoho grapes are a large varietal, growing in round bunches of dense, uniform clusters. Each grape averages 2 to 4 centimeters in diameter and has a plump, spherical to oval shape. The skin is smooth, taut, glossy, and thick, ranging in color from violet purple to dark purple, almost jet-black.
A natural bloom is found across the surface, a white-powdery film that protects the grapes from fermenting and moisture loss. Kyoho grapes are a slip-skin variety, allowing the skins to be easily separated from the flesh without damage, and the skins are often removed before consumption due to their tannic, subtly bitter flavor.
Underneath the surface, the flesh is aqueous, soft, and tender with a translucent green hue, encasing a few oval seeds. It is important to note that the seeds have a bitter flavor should be discarded. Kyoho grapes have a mild acidity and high sugar content, typically reaching around 18 to 20 Brix, contributing to the grape’s sweet, rich flavor reminiscent of the taste of concord grapes.
Kyoho grapes have a dense, juicy texture and sweet flavor well suited for fresh and cooked preparations. The grape’s skin is thick, acidic, and astringent and can be peeled or left intact, depending on consumer preferences.
Most consumers choose to peel the skin and solely eat the flesh, also discarding the bitter seeds. Kyoho grapes can be chilled and consumed out-of-hand, or they can be sliced and tossed into salads, mixed into fruit bowls, layered into parfaits, or served with salty cheeses on charcuterie boards.The grapes can also be frozen and eaten as a sorbet-like treat, blended into smoothies, or sliced and layered into whipped cream sandwiches. In addition to fresh preparations, Kyoho grapes can be simmered into jellies, jams, and compotes or used as an edible garnish over tarts, cakes, pies, and ice cream. The grapes can also be used similarly to a concord, making juice, sodas, spritzers, and sweet wine.
In Japan,Kyoho grapes are often used in the traditional cocktail chuhai, which is a blend of shochu mixed with carbonated water and additional fruity flavorings. Chuhai is an abbreviation for “shochu highball,” and there are many different flavors of the beverage, including regular grape and Kyoho grape, with Kyoho being one of the only specified varieties used as a flavoring. Kyoho grapes pair well with cheeses such as feta, blue, and cheddar, peanut butter, lavender, honey, rosemary, fruits including blueberries, apricots, cherries, apples, and oranges, and nuts such as hazelnuts, almonds, pecans, and peanuts. Whole, unwashed Kyoho grapes will keep 2 to 4 days when stored in a plastic bag or container in the refrigerator.
