Autumn King Grape (Vitis vinifera)
Autumn King green table grapes (Vitis vinifera), grown in California and marketed under the CMI Orchards® brand. Autumn King is a seedless, late-season variety developed through the USDA-ARS table grape breeding program in California. It is distinguished by its large, firm and crisp berries, light-green to yellow-green coloration and pleasant balance of sweetness and freshness.
Organoleptic Properties
Berries are large to very large, oval to slightly elongated, with smooth light-green skin that may develop yellow-green tones as maturity progresses. Flesh is firm, fleshy, juicy and crisp, with virtually no noticeable seeds. Flavor is clean, fresh and predominantly sweet, complemented by balanced acidity and the mild aroma characteristic of premium green table grapes.
Suggested Uses
Ideal for fresh consumption as a snack, lunch-box fruit, healthy-bar ingredient, buffet item and hospitality service. Its large berry size and crisp texture make it excellent for fruit and cheese boards, salads, bowls, yogurt, oatmeal, granola and desserts. It can also be served well chilled or frozen as a refreshing snack and incorporated into fruit skewers, pastry applications, dessert decoration and gourmet presentations.
Format
Styrofoam box (C-UNC) containing approximately 8.6 Kg (19 lb) of fresh grapes. The number and configuration of inner bags may vary according to the packing system used.
Storage and Handling
Store preferably at approximately 0–1 °C (32–34 °F) and approximately 90–95% relative humidity, maintaining an uninterrupted cold chain. Protect clusters from moisture loss, condensation and abrupt temperature fluctuations. Avoid excessive direct airflow over the fruit, as this may promote water loss, reduced turgidity and dehydration of both berries and rachis.
Quality and Selection Criteria
Select fresh, well-developed clusters with large, firm, crisp and uniform berries, good pedicel attachment and characteristic green coloration. The rachis should retain a fresh appearance without pronounced dehydration. The whitish bloom visible on the berry surface is a natural protective wax layer and is not considered a defect. Avoid soft, shriveled, split or fermented berries, excessive berry shatter or signs of mold.
Origin
California, USA.
Autumn King was developed through the USDA Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) table grape breeding program in California and was commercially released in 2006. It was selected to provide a green seedless grape with large berry size, firm texture and late-season maturity, extending commercial availability of green grapes toward the end of California's growing season. Its late maturity and large, crisp berries have made Autumn King an important cultivar within the California table-grape industry.
