is a large dark-blue grape native to North America. Named for the Massachusetts village of Concord where the first of its variety was grown, the Concord grape was developed by Boston-born Ephraim Wales Bull in 1849. Experimenting with seeds from some of the native species found in New England, Bull planted some 22,000 seedlings before finally achieving his goal -- a grape that ripened early enough to escape the killing northern frosts but which had a rich, full-bodied flavor. Bull introduced his grape to the public in 1853, and before long he was getting up to $1,000 a cutting.

Today the Concord grape is found in most brands of grape jelly and juice, as well as in many domestic wines. Growers in the United States harvest more than 336,000 tons of Concord grapes every year, more than all other species of grapes combined. Washington is the nation's largest producer, followed by New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Missouri.

Concord Grape Association. www.concordgrape.org

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This page was last updated on 06/11/2011.