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EXPLORING NATURE: MUSTANG GRAPES

Sunday, June 28, 2020

There is a long stretch of wild grapes growing alongside a rural road leading to my house.

These grapes are commonly called mustang grapes, or to be scientific about it, vitis mustangensis grapes. This is a variety native to the southern U.S. and is found in Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.

Mustang grape plants have leaves which are green on top and white or gray on the underside. The fruit is first green, but ripens to a deep purple. The grapes have an acidic tartness and can be unpleasant when eaten raw. Like persimmons, they often taste better after the first frost.

My wife and mother-in-law were very adept at turning these wild grapes into tasty jams and jellies put up in mason jars. As I recall, a seal of molten wax was used to keep the product unspoiled.

It takes a grapevine about three years before it produces viable grapes, but once it starts producing, it can go on for decades.

Finally, a word of warning about grapes. They can cause acute distress if eaten by certain breeds of dogs. You probably know dogs can be adversely affected by chocolate, but you might not know grapes can cause acute kidney failure in dogs. Even one grape can have dire consequences.

I don’t recommend picking roadside grapes, since they are often on private property, but if you are lucky enough to have wild grapes on your property, by all means have a go at eating them.

Also, I am reliably informed you can make a pretty good homemade wine from mustang grapes. If you should decant a noble vintage, by all means invite me over to quaff a sample.

I always enjoy vitis mustangensis.

San Marcos Record

(512) 392-2458
P.O. Box 1109, San Marcos, TX 78666