The Mapu No 1, a dark purple variety of grape, is developed by the Malu Grape Research Institute. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]
Get ready for a taste of summer with Malu's early-ripening grape varieties. Inside the Malu Grape Research Institute's greenhouses in Jiading district, Shanghai, clusters of plump, translucent grapes hang enticingly from the vines.
This year's debut varieties include Mapu No 1, Xile, Early Jasmine, and 3-13. Mapu No 1, a dark purple variety developed by the institute, features anthocyanin-rich skin and large berries with a strawberry aroma. Xile offers a sweet, juicy taste with a rock sugar flavor. Early Jasmine is a fragrant pink variety, while the deep red 3-13 is crisp with a floral hint.
"Early market grapes must have soluble solid content at least 16 degrees," explained Shan Wenlong, deputy director of the Malu Grape Research Institute, as he tested a Mapu No 1 grape, recording 18.3 degrees.
Shan Wenlong tests a Mapu No 1 grape. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]
The first batch, yielding about 5,000 pounds, is available for pre-order online, with deliveries starting mid-June. Starting May 31, visitors will be able to pick grapes in person at the Malu Grape Theme Park.
The introduced variety features purple-red fruit with crisp flesh, offering a sweet, tangy, and juicy flavor with a hint of rose aroma. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]
Sales Options:
1. On-Site Sales: Grapes can be bought at Malu Grape Theme Park Sales Center (29 Dazhi Road) from May 31 through the National Day holiday, and at the Research Institute Sales Point (1001 Huan Village Road) starting early July.
2. Pick-Your-Own: Pick your own grapes at the theme park from May 31, 8 am to 5 pm daily.
3. E-commerce: Buy grapes online through Tmall, WeChat Mini Programs, and JD, with shipments starting late June.
4. Pickup Vouchers: Free shipping within Jiangsu province, Zhejiang province, and Shanghai; additional fees elsewhere.