Self-Interview, Concord Grape

Me Interviewer (Interviewer) or Me

Interviewer: So how did you get to know Concord grapes?

Me: I lived, from age 8-10 next to a vineyard a local farmer/dairyman lived.

Interviewer: What did you think of them?

Me: the most amazing taste.  Fresh off the vine.

Interviewer: Were you legally picking from that vine?

Me: Yes, we were told we could eat all we wanted but that if we were ever caught having a “grape fight” with each other (my sister) or our two boy neighbors that tasting would be forbidden.  We solemnly adhered to that rule.

Interviewer: Why can’t fresh Concord grapes be shipped long distances?

Me: I don’t know but think it has to do with freshness and the pristine nature of the grapes when picked at their prime stage of readiness, plus they must not ship well

Interviewer: People in grape-growing counties love their grapes and use them in all kinds of recipes.  How did the Concord grapes get preserved for people across the country?

Me: Try Welch’s grape juice or Manischewitz kosher wine.  I now hear that Concord grapes come frozen, but getting them out of their leathery skins and removing the seeds must just make it a pulp.  I’ve never been able to find it and would look.

Interviewer: Why would you look?

Me: Because if I can’t be back where I lived as a child, I’d like to taste the next best thing and remember those days at the creek where I was allowed to be a tomboy.

Thank you for your time and interesting commentary. Cheers, Dee