Ever wondered where the delicious grapes, which are also used for wine, originated from? I delved into the intriguing history of grapes and wine. From grapes of ancient times to how different countries have treated grapes, I hope that by learning about grapes, readers will deepen their appreciation for them.
The World’s Oldest Grapes
Grapes are deciduous shrubs of the grape family. The earliest grapes were discovered in the Middle East, specifically in a place called Tell Aswad in present-day Jordan and the ruins of Tell Abu Hureyra in Syria, dating back to 8000 BC. The oldest literary work written by the Sumerians around 5000 BC, the “Epic of Gilgamesh,” mentions wine, and stone mortars used for winemaking have been found in archaeological sites from that era. Evidence of wine trading around 3000 BC has been found on the islands of Crete and Santorini. It is believed that wine was introduced to Greece around 2000 BC through the ancient Phoenicians and then spread throughout the Mediterranean. In Japan, it is said to have been introduced during the Nara period.
Greek and Roman Mythology and Grapes
In Greece, Dionysus (or Bacchus), one of the twelve Olympian gods, was the deity of wine and was believed to protect grape cultivation and preside over abundance and the intoxication of wine. Dionysus is known as Bacchus in Roman mythology and was widely worshipped by the masses. In myths, Dionysus wandered through various countries, spreading grape cultivation and winemaking. Greece, boasting a wine history of over 5000 years, is said to have over 300 unique grape varieties.
Grapes in Cuisine
Raisins, too, are believed to have been popularized in ancient Rome around the 13th century BC by the Phoenicians and Armenians. Today, California’s San Joaquin Valley is famous for raisins, while Napa Valley is renowned for wine. Like other dried fruits, raisins are rich in potassium, dietary fiber, minerals, and polyphenols and are used in bread, pies, cookies, rum raisin ice cream, cakes, and dishes like carrot salad and curry. Germany has a national dish called Sauerbraten, which is meat stewed with raisins. In Greece, there’s a dish called Dolmades, where grape leaves are used to wrap fillings of fish, meat, rice, and herbs.
The world of grapes is profound, and now raisins are available worldwide. There are also many delicious grapes produced in Japan. I hope that by understanding the history and world of grapes, readers will have more fun anecdotes and enjoyment when savoring grapes, wine, and dishes.
