Moon drop grapes have dark blue skin, pale green flesh, and an oblong-cylindrical shape. (They look like tiny eggplants!) They are grown by Grapery and their origin is in the San Joaquin Valley of Southern California and harvested from August through November. Description / Taste The Fallen Moon grape is a medium to a large variety that grows in loose clusters up to 29 cm long and 16 cm wide. Each grape has a distinctive shape, elongated, uniform, cylindrical, about 3 to 4 cm long and 1 2 cm in diameter, and showing a characteristic dimple at one end. The rind of the grapes is smooth, semi-thick, glossy, and firm. The skin is also dark purple, often appearing black, and covered in medium to dense bluish-gray flowers. This bloom is natural and edible but can be easily wiped off the surface if preferred. Under the skin, the translucent purplish green flesh is crisp, seedless, and watery with a pinch-like quality. Because of their firm consistency, the grapes can be divided into two parts with the fingers. Moon Drop grapes are sweeter than regular black grapes and have tannins to create a pleasant, balanced sweet flavor. 
Season / Availability Deciduous grapes are available for a few weeks in late summer through early fall.
- Current facts
Moon drop grapes, botanically classified as Vitis vinifera, are a special variety belonging to the Vitaceae family. The uniquely shaped grape is a mid-season variety designed for better flavor with extended storage and shipping capabilities. Moon Drop grapes are simply known as Moon Drop and were developed by The Grapery in Bakersfield, California. This variety is the result of selective breeding techniques and has not been genetically modified. During each season, Moon drop grapes are covered with plastic to protect the fruit from rain. This allows the grapes to be left in the fields longer to develop a sweet, concentrated flavor. Moon Drop grapes are harvested in stages and are only collected once they reach peak maturity. The grapes are only available for a few weeks each year and are sold fresh as a special table grape.
- Nutritional value
Moon drop grapes have not been studied for their nutritional properties. Like other black grapes, grapes are a source of antioxidants to protect cells from free radical damage, vitamin A to maintain healthy organ function, and vitamins to strengthen the immune system while reducing inflammation. 
Grapes also provide vitamin K to help speed wound healing, potassium to balance fluid levels in the body, and other nutrients including flavonoids, copper, and manganese. Moon grapes were developed by Jacques Pandol of Grapery and David Kane of the international fruit genetics company Botanical Genetics. The development of moon grapes was part of the efforts of Grapefruit and International Fruit Genetics to make more varieties of the fruit available. They wanted to make grapes, stone-core fruits like peaches, harder to ship and store, and more palatable. Many table grapes found in the grocery store are produced to withstand freight and shelves. Unfortunately, this often leads to a loss of flavor, and many other exotic grape varieties are not available to the average consumer. Emphasizing flavor as well as astringent, Grapery and IFG have been busy developing delicious table grape varieties to excite our taste buds. In 2004 the moon landed on grapes! These grapes are developed by crossbreeding different types of grapes and optimizing growing methods to develop the sweetest flavor. These methods not only give the moon grapes their wonderful taste but also contribute to an increase in their volume. These juicy blue grapes, also known as sapphire grapes, are just as delicious as they sound. They have a deep sweet flavor, balanced with a slight acidity. They are naturally juicy but hard and brittle enough to be cut in half with ease. 
Moon grapes are rich in vitamins A, C, and K. It's full of antioxidants and manganese, making them a delicious and healthy snack. Like other grapes, moon grapes provide significant health benefits, and can help maintain a healthy heart, protect the brain, and promote blood sugar regulation. It also helps keep you hydrated! Since grapes contain 82% water, adding grapes as a snack will help your body get the water it needs. If you're looking to add a little kick to your Charcuterie, Moon Drop Grapes will elevate your board. The sweetness of grapefruit goes well with cheese, especially hard cheeses, such as blue cheese, gorgonzola, and Roquefort. Throwing these grapes on your cheese board with Granny Smith apple slices will impress your guests, or make a great snack for yourself.
- How to use moon grapes
Moon grapes don't pair well with cheese and French bread. Although they are perfect for snacking as is, you can also use them in recipes. Its sturdy texture makes it great for cooking or freezing and adds to its versatility. Roast them with salt and lemon, or peel and serve them with Brussels sprouts or bitter vegetables like kale or mustard for a cool, refreshing snack, and they can also be frozen to enjoy. There are many other types of grapes that you can grow. Choose one based on your area. European grape varieties tend to be more susceptible to disease, so keep this in mind when making your selection. Find a reputable nursery and choose your vineyards carefully. Try to find one-year-old vines. 
Find an area with well-drained soil that gets at least morning sun. Since the grapes are the vine, look for a sturdy trellis or fence on which they can grow. If you have little space, you can still grow grapes and grow vines in 15-gallon pots 16-18 inches deep. Cut off any brittle roots that have shriveled before planting. Soak the roots in water for at least two hours before placing them in the ground. If you are planting in the ground rather than in a pot, space the vines 6 to 10 feet apart. Dig a hole 12 inches deep, fill it with 4 inches of dirt, and gently plant your vine in the hole. Stack the next 6 inches of soil you put in the hole, then fill in the final layer. Water the vines when planting them. According to the farmer's calendar, grape vines do not need fertilizing for the first year after planting. Prune the grapevine when it is dormant. Be careful not to cut the canes, as this is where the grapes will eventually grow.