juice/smoothie of grapes, grape leaves and branches too?

[Tetris15]

Has anyone tried to juice or make a smoothie using the entire grape plant (grapes, leave and branches)??? I have a ton of grapes growing at home that are almost ripe and I can't help but wonder how much of the plant I can use. The homegrown branches aren't brittle like the ones in the stores, they're still moist and somewhat soft. Obviously the grapes and leaves are eatible, though I've never tried them together in a juice or smoothie. But the branches?

[lytlsprout]

I don't know for sure, but I wouldn't do it. But then the twigs comments people make to me would really be true. haha

[beckx]

when i make juice with grapes i usually throw the whole thing (including the 'branches' that hold the bunches of grapes - that's what you're talking about right?) in the vitamix, blend and strain. mostly out of laziness. i've never gotten fresh grape leaves so i don't know about that.

[rawstrength]

Fresh grape leaves are edible and nutritious. As a Greek I grew up eating them. Also, check out the nutrition facts on www.nutritiondata.com for grape leaves. They are really, really nutritious.
I don't know about the twigs, though. But they probably wouldn't hurt. I imagine they would be quite fibrous, like eating paper or whole wheat grass. Not very nutritious, just a lot of fiber. That's just my guess, though.

[Debbietook]

Hi Tetris15

Eating the grapes and leaves is excellent as we're getting fruit, leaves and fat(in the seeds).

Would you want to eat branches normally?

If yes, put them in a smoothie.

Love

Debbie Took
www.rawforlife.co.uk

[Whisper]

raw strength -- did you eat them raw ( and if so what with?) or did you blend the fresh leaves? I have a greenhouse full of them -- I used to cook with them but thought they might not be ok raw. Did you freeze them ok??

I am debating the fruit this year --they always seem to go fusty just as they all ripen at the same time in UK unless I use chemicals. Did spray with chamomile tea one year which slowed it down.

Any suggestions welcome!!

Thanks
Whisper

[rawstrength]

raw strength -- did you eat them raw ( and if so what with?) or did you blend the fresh leaves? I have a greenhouse full of them -- I used to cook with them but thought they might not be ok raw. Did you freeze them ok??

I am debating the fruit this year --they always seem to go fusty just as they all ripen at the same time in UK unless I use chemicals. Did spray with chamomile tea one year which slowed it down.

Any suggestions welcome!!

Thanks
Whisper

Growing up, I ate boiled/steamed grape leaves like many eat spinach.
Raw, I have had the tender young grape leaves marinated in salt, vinegar and olive oil. I have also juiced them. I think they would be too fibrous to blend into a smoothie, and also too bitter, but if you like, go for it! Try it out.
I haven't tried freezing my grape leaves, but I know other people at my church do with great success.
I grow concord grapes in MA and I have never had a problem with them going fusty, so I can't really help you there. The grapes I grow are purple, sour, and have big seeds. Wild grapes are a far cry from the supermarket hybrid, suicide, seedless variety (hybrid foods are "suicide" foods because they have no seeds and cannot reproduce.)

[Whisper]

Ours are purple ones too -- which is unfortunate as I prefer white!! They are seeded too.
I think England is a bit damp a climate for them -- they always do well and then in the last couple of weeks seem to split and go mouldy.

Good to know how you prepared them raw --will try that tonight. Need to release the shade for the plants in there as well so will serve 2 purposes. juicing would probably be better --they are a little spiky! Can't say I fancy the branches -- and I need them for growing grapes on next year, -- tell us how they are Tetris15.

Take care,
Whisper