{"title":"Best Grapes for Jams \u0026 Jellies","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 3 varieties in our catalog that scored 8 or higher out of 10 for jams and jellies. Scored on natural pectin and acid, on set, and on how the flavor and color come through the sugar.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn 8 is Very good on the adapted Beach (1905) grade, a 9 is Very good to best and a 10 is Best. Varieties that scored 6 or 7 are genuinely good at this too, and you will find them under the matching Shop by Use group.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery score in this list is sourced. Nothing is here because it is popular, and nothing is here on our word alone. The full evidence, including what each variety scored for every other use and why, is in the use guide.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"bluebell-grape-bundle-of-2-epwnx","title":"Bluebell Grape (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBluebell Grape – A Cold-Hardy Concord Alternative\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eAn exceptionally cold-hardy, disease-resistant variety introduced by the University of Minnesota. Bluebell produces clusters of medium to large, blue-black grapes with tender skins and rich flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVersatile \u0026amp; Productive\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eThis is a super versatile grape—great for fresh eating, juice, jams, jellies, and even winemaking. Bluebell resembles Concord in both size and color, but it matures earlier and is much more cold-hardy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBuilt for Harsh Winters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eIf you’re in a really cold area and have considered planting Concord—plant Bluebell instead. It’s hardy to -50°F, making it one of the best options out there for extreme climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePlant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese are vines going on their second year with an established root system.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472434401346,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/bluebell-grape-on-vine.webp?v=1789019221"},{"product_id":"concord-grape-bundle-of-3","title":"Concord Grape (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eConcord is a robust and aromatic blue-black grape whose ancestors were wild native species growing in the rugged New England soil of the mid-1800s. Since then, it’s gone on to become one of the most popular grapes grown in the U.S.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eBold Flavor, Best for Processing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eConcord grapes make full-bodied juice and a great house wine, and are also excellent for jams and jellies. They’ve got a classic flavor, but they’re very acidic when eaten fresh—and yes, they do have seeds. In our opinion, Concord is better for processing than fresh eating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold Hardiness \u0026amp; Zone Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eConcord is hardy to around -30°F, but not much more than that. They’re just barely on the edge of survival here in Missoula. If you plant them in a spot where the wind runs or frost settles just a little deeper—like parts of Orchard Homes or Frenchtown—they likely won’t make it through.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eIf you’re in Zone 3, we recommend planting Valiant, Somerset, or Bluebell instead:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eSomerset: Best for fresh eating\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eValiant: The hardiest\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eBluebell: Closest in flavor and look to Concord, but much more cold-tolerant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003ePlant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese are vines going on their second year with an established root system.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472435122242,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/concord-grape-on-vine.webp?v=1789019810"},{"product_id":"valiant-grape","title":"Valiant Grape (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eValiant is easily the most cold-hardy grape available, having survived -50°F winter temperatures and still produced a crop the following year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFlavor and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eValiant grapes are blue in color and have a taste similar to Concord. These grapes can be enjoyed fresh or used for jams and juices. While some have tried them for wine, the results have been mixed, so they may not be the best choice for winemaking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold-Hardy Performance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eHardy to zone 2, Valiant is a reliable choice for gardeners in extremely cold climates. Its resilience in harsh winters makes it a top pick for colder regions. Valiant has survived in some of the coldest parts of Eastern Montana, and has still borne a crop there, where temps reached near -50F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003ePlant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese are vines going on their second year with an established root system.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472441544770,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/valiant-grape-on-vine.webp?v=1789021308"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/collections\/best-grapes-for-jams-jellies.oembed","provider":"Montana Fruit Trees","version":"1.0","type":"link"}