Thomcord

Thomcord

Thomcord grapes on the vine

Thomcord is a hybrid variety of table grape that combines the best characteristics of its parent varieties, the Thompson Seedless and the Concord grape. Developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Thomcord grapes are known for their sweet flavor and seedless nature, making them a popular choice for fresh consumption.

Development and History

The development of Thomcord grapes began in the late 20th century as part of a USDA breeding program aimed at creating new grape varieties with improved taste and growing characteristics. The goal was to combine the seedless trait of the Thompson Seedless grape with the rich, aromatic flavor of the Concord grape.

The breeding process involved cross-pollinating the Thompson Seedless, a widely grown Vitis vinifera variety, with the Concord grape, a Vitis labrusca variety known for its distinctive "foxy" flavor. The result was a grape that retained the seedless quality of the Thompson Seedless while inheriting the aromatic qualities of the Concord.

Characteristics

Thomcord grapes are medium-sized, with a deep blue-black skin that is similar in appearance to Concord grapes. The flesh is juicy and sweet, with a flavor profile that combines the musky aroma of Concord grapes with the mild sweetness of Thompson Seedless.

Thompson Seedless grapes, one of the parent varieties of Thomcord

The grapes are typically harvested in late summer to early fall, depending on the growing region. They are well-suited for fresh consumption and are often found in grocery stores during their peak season.

Cultivation

Thomcord grapes are grown primarily in the United States, with California being the leading producer due to its favorable climate and established grape-growing industry. The vines are vigorous and productive, requiring similar cultivation practices to other table grape varieties.

Growers appreciate Thomcord for its disease resistance, particularly to common grapevine ailments such as powdery mildew and botrytis bunch rot. This makes it an attractive option for sustainable and organic farming practices.

Uses

While Thomcord grapes are primarily consumed fresh, they can also be used in a variety of culinary applications. Their sweet flavor makes them suitable for use in fruit salads, desserts, and as a garnish. Additionally, they can be used to make juice, although they are less commonly used for this purpose compared to Concord grapes.

Related Varieties

Concord grapes, known for their distinctive flavor

• Thompson Seedless: A parent variety of Thomcord, known for its seedless berries and mild flavor.
• Concord grape: The other parent variety, known for its strong, musky flavor and use in grape juice and jelly.
• Vitis vinifera: The species to which Thompson Seedless belongs, encompassing many of the world's wine and table grapes.
• Vitis labrusca: The species to which Concord belongs, native to North America and known for its "foxy" flavor.

Related Pages

• Grape
• Hybrid grape
• Table grape
• United States Department of Agriculture