Grape Variety · Summer & Fall
Flame Seedless Grape
Flame Seedless grapes are a hybrid of Thompson Seedless and other Vitis vinifera varieties, combining the convenience of seedlessness with beautiful deep red color and crisp texture. Sweet and flavorful with firm flesh, these grapes are equally delicious fresh or roasted.
Available from August through November with peak season in late summer, Flame Seedless offers the best of both worlds — the seedless convenience of Thompson with more vibrant color and slightly more complex flavor.
Species: Vitis vinifera hybrid (cross of Thompson Seedless and other varieties)
Flavor Profile: Sweet and flavorful with more complexity than Thompson Seedless, yet still approachable and mild. Clean, pleasant taste.
Texture: Crisp, crunchy flesh. Completely seedless — the hallmark feature that makes them convenient.
Appearance: Deep red to burgundy color, similar to Red Globe in vibrancy but with slightly smaller, more delicate appearance.
Look for firm grapes with deep red to burgundy color. Stems should be green and flexible, not brown or brittle. Avoid shriveled, soft, or leaking berries.
Flame Seedless should feel heavy for their size, indicating good juice content and crispness. A slight white bloom on the skin is a sign of freshness.
Peak Season: August through October for California-grown grapes. Limited availability after November.
Store in the refrigerator in a ventilated bag or container. Keep as dry as possible to prevent mold. Flame Seedless grapes will keep for 1–2 weeks refrigerated.
Wash only just before eating. Freeze whole grapes for a refreshing snack — they become delightful bite-sized frozen treats and work beautifully as cocktail ice cubes.
Fresh Eating: Perfect for snacking straight from the cluster. The seedless convenience and attractive red color make them ideal for lunch boxes, cheese boards, and presentations.
Cheese Boards: The beautiful deep red color and seedless convenience make Flame Seedless an elegant addition to cheese and charcuterie boards.
Roasting: Roast at 425°F with olive oil and thyme until blistered and caramelized. The deep color intensifies beautifully during roasting.
Wine & Juice: Can be pressed for juice or fermented into light wine, though they're primarily enjoyed fresh due to their seasonal availability and premium quality.
Freezing: Freeze whole seedless grapes for a refreshing snack or for later use in juices and cooking.
Short Window: Flame Seedless has a relatively short season, so enjoy them fresh during their peak availability from August through October.
Antioxidants: Deep red color indicates the presence of anthocyanins and resveratrol — powerful polyphenol antioxidants associated with cardiovascular and cognitive benefits.
Vitamins & Minerals: Good source of vitamins C and K. One cup of grapes provides about 104 calories, 1.4g of fiber, and 27% of the daily value for vitamin K.
The deep color suggests higher antioxidant content compared to lighter grape varieties.
Flame Seedless was developed as a hybrid to combine the best qualities of existing varieties — the seedless convenience of Thompson Seedless with more vibrant color and flavor complexity.
This variety remains relatively uncommon compared to Thompson Seedless, making it a treat when available at farmers' markets and specialty stores.
The breeding programs that develop new seedless and specialty grape varieties are often conducted at California universities and agricultural research centers.