Just what the heck is a scuppernong grape? It's also called a muscadine and, according to “State Symbols USA” it’s the official state fruit of North Carolina. In Roanoke there is reportedly an enormous scuppernong vine that is over 400 years old. Wikipedia, which for some reason I have been viewing as a credible source of information as I get older, states that the etymological root of the word scuppernong can be found in the Algonquin word for sweet bay tree, “ascopo.”
But I know you’re wondering, what do scuppernongs taste like? Well, I was lucky enough to try one of these giant muscadines a few nights ago (they're only $2,50 per pint!). The skin was thick and tangy, and the flesh was sweet and slightly musky, like wine. It was thoroughly enjoyable except for the seeds, which were a little bitter. But if you keep the seeds perhaps you’ll find yourself with an acre of muscadine vines someday. I’d suggest pairing these beauties with some feta cheese, and perhaps some sweet fig marmalade. Or feel free to leave a jar of homemade scuppernong jam at the Coop for me when you’re done. Yes? Yes!
Here’s an interesting recipe for scuppernong cake: http://www.slashfood.com/2008/10/02/recipe-scuppernong-cake/
And one for peach scuppernong salsa:
http://huggingthecoast.com/2009/09/03/southern-peach-scuppernong-salsa-recipe/
Enjoy!
Above is volunteer Eloise, hiding behind a herd of escaped muscadines.
0 comments:
Post a Comment