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Concord is grown on a greater variety of soils and under a wider range of climatic conditions than any other variety of American grape. Its vine is vigorous and productive, ripening in mid to late September in central Indiana. Concord's versatility gives it a large market potential. It is the most important variety for sweet juice, jelly, and preserves, and it is also used in quantity for wine production and fresh market sales. Concord produces medium-sized clusters bearing large, blue-black berries. It is typical of the American V. labrusca-derived grapes in having a tough skin that separates readily from the pulpy flesh (slipskin). The pronounced fruity, "labrusca", or American flavor of Concord makes it a desirable dessert grape. Skin cracking and excessive postharvest shelling, however, as well as the presence of seeds, limit its use for this purpose. Description prepared by Bruce Bordelon, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN |