Borddruer

Borddruer are grape cultivars grown primarily for fresh consumption rather than for wine production. They are usually sweet and are often seedless, though some varieties retain seeds. The term is used in several Nordic languages to distinguish table grapes from those used for winemaking or drying.

Origin and overview

Grapevines have been cultivated for eating and for wine for millennia. Breeding programs in the 19th and 20th centuries focused on seedlessness, larger berry size, better flavor, and longer shelf life to enhance the quality and transportability of borddruer. Today, table grapes are grown in many parts of the world and are distributed globally, with different regions contributing to seasonal availability.

Cultivation

Borddruer require warm days and typically cooler nights to accumulate sugars and develop flavor. They are grown on trellis systems that support vigorous growth and improve sun exposure. Careful canopy management, irrigation, pruning, and thinning help produce uniform berries. Harvest is coordinated to preserve texture and flavor and is followed by rapid postharvest handling, cooling, and careful transport to maintain quality.

Varieties

Many varieties are cultivated for table use. Well-known examples include Thompson Seedless (also known as Sultanina), Red Globe, Crimson Seedless, and Flame Seedless. These cultivars are chosen for attributes such as seedlessness, berry size and color, sweetness, and storage life. Color ranges from light green to deep red and black, with flavors spanning delicate to bold.

Global production and use

Borddruer are consumed fresh as fruit, used in fruit salads, and sold in supermarkets worldwide. Major producing countries include parts of North America, Europe, and Asia, with climate and season influencing regional availability. They are distinct from wine grapes in purpose, cultivation requirements, and breeding goals.