Stella Bella Grape | #J | Rio Blanco® | Chile | C-CTN ±8.2 Kg – 18 lb
The Stella Bella® grape (Vitis vinifera L.) is a premium green seedless table grape cultivar recognized for its large, elongated berries, exceptionally crisp texture, firm flesh and intensely sweet flavor. Grown in Chile and commercially presented under the Rio Blanco® brand, it stands out for its attractive light-green coloration, excellent juiciness and eating-quality characteristics valued in international fresh fruit markets.
Its approximately 8.2 Kg (18 lb) cardboard carton, with commercial #J (Jumbo) designation, is particularly suitable for specialty fruit retailers, supermarkets, restaurants, hotels and professional foodservice operations seeking large, high-quality green grapes.
Stella Bella differs from many traditional table grape varieties through its combination of large berry size, elongated oval shape, crunchy texture and pronounced natural sweetness, characteristics documented by the cultivar's commercial developer.
Organoleptic Properties
Clusters of green grapes composed of large, oval to elongated-elliptical berries with an attractive, relatively uniform appearance. The skin ranges from bright green to yellowish green or pale creamy green, depending on maturity, sunlight exposure and growing conditions.
The flesh is translucent green to pale greenish white, firm, fleshy, very juicy and exceptionally crisp, delivering a refreshing crunch with every bite. The skin is edible, and the berries are seedless, although occasional small, naturally occurring seed traces may be present.
Its flavor profile is characterized by pronounced sweetness, mild acidity and a clean, refreshing taste, without the strongly musky notes associated with Muscat-type grapes. Varietal commercial references have reported approximately 18–21 °Brix in Stella Bella grapes, although actual soluble solids vary according to lot, maturity and agricultural conditions.
The berry surface may display a fine layer of natural waxy bloom, a protective coating that helps maintain the integrity of the fruit.
Suggested Uses
Ideal for fresh consumption, snacks, lunch boxes, fruit salads, bowls, yogurt, granola, fruit platters, buffets and gourmet presentations. Its large berries and crisp texture make Stella Bella an excellent choice for direct consumption and premium fruit service.
In contemporary cuisine, it pairs especially well with fresh cheeses, brie, camembert, goat cheese, pecans, almonds, pistachios, honey and aromatic herbs. It can also be incorporated into leafy green salads, chilled dishes, canapés and fine-dining garnishes.
Additional culinary applications include fruit skewers, tartlets, chilled desserts, gelatin desserts, smoothies and refreshing beverages. Its natural sweetness also complements savory dishes featuring poultry, pork and fish, providing contrast, freshness and juiciness.
Thanks to its firm flesh and edible skin, Stella Bella is particularly suitable for presentations requiring berries to retain their shape and appealing appearance.
Format
Cardboard carton (C-CTN) containing approximately 8.2 Kg (18 lb) of fresh Stella Bella grapes, commercially identified under the Rio Blanco® brand and originating from Chile.
Size #J (Jumbo): commercial designation associated with a selection of large berries. The corresponding minimum diameter, size range and tolerances should be confirmed against the packer's specifications, since the term Jumbo does not independently establish a universally standardized berry diameter.
Fruit is presented in clusters, with internal arrangement and protective materials depending on the supplier's original packaging configuration. Individual cluster weight and the number of clusters per carton may vary.
The stated 18 lb format corresponds to approximately 8.16 Kg, consistent with the commercial designation of ±8.2 Kg.
Storage and Handling
For commercial storage, maintain preferably at approximately -1 to 0 °C (30–32 °F) and 90–95% relative humidity, preserving a continuous cold chain from reception through distribution and retail display.
These conditions help maintain berry firmness, turgidity, crisp texture and the appearance of stems and cluster rachises. Avoid heat exposure, moisture loss, condensation and temperature fluctuations.
Table grapes are non-climacteric fruits, meaning they do not develop a significant increase in sweetness after harvest. Their eating quality depends on appropriate harvest maturity and proper postharvest handling.
Stem dehydration, berry shatter and gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea are important postharvest concerns that require careful handling, refrigeration and appropriate preservation procedures.
For household consumption, keep refrigerated and wash only the portion intended for immediate consumption.
Quality and Selection Criteria
Select clusters with firm, plump, well-developed, relatively uniform berries and characteristic light-green coloration, free from cracking, bruising, decay or visible dehydration.
The rachis should maintain a fresh appearance, preferably green and flexible, without severe drying or advanced browning. Berries should remain well attached to their stems and retain their characteristic crispness and juiciness.
The presence of natural waxy bloom is a normal surface characteristic, although its appearance may vary with handling. Avoid clusters containing soft, watery, shriveled or fermented berries, excessive berry shatter or visible mold.
For #Jumbo selections, berry-size uniformity and the packer's applicable commercial tolerances should also be evaluated.
Season
Stella Bella grapes grown in Chile belong to Southern Hemisphere table grape production, with harvesting and exports generally concentrated between December and April, depending on growing region, cultivar and seasonal weather conditions.
The precise Stella Bella harvest window may vary according to vineyard location and agricultural practices. Commercial availability also depends on export programs, logistics and refrigerated storage.
Southern Hemisphere production complements North American green grape harvest schedules, helping extend the international availability of fresh table grapes.
Origin
Chile
The table grape (Vitis vinifera) has an agricultural history spanning thousands of years, with major ancient domestication centers located in the Caucasus and Western Asia. From these regions, grape cultivation spread into the Mediterranean and eventually the Americas.
The commercial Stella Bella® cultivar has a much more recent history. It is associated with the grape-breeding program of Sunview Vineyards in California's San Joaquin Valley, where it was selected for its large green berries, elongated shape, sweet flavor and exceptionally crisp texture. The cultivar is also identified in varietal records as SV 21-66-226.
Although its cultivar development is associated with California, Stella Bella has also been recorded in table grape production and export programs in Chile.
Its distinctive appeal lies in the combination of large berry size, seedlessness, pronounced natural sweetness and crunchy texture, reflecting the evolution of modern table grape breeding toward premium cultivars with increasingly differentiated eating characteristics.
