Grapes and histamine: Are grapes suitable for a low-histamine diet?
In this article, we take a "histamine look" at grapes. Grapes are among the oldest fruit varieties ever. But are they suitable for a low-histamine diet, or do they rather belong to the high-histamine fruit varieties? We answer this question here.
Grapes at a Glance
Grapes are also known as wine berries, table grapes, or simply grapes. They originate from Central Asia, and depending on their ripeness, they taste sweet to tart. Grapes come in a variety of colors, but to simplify, they are simply distinguished between light and dark grapes. However, their taste hardly differs.
Season and Storage of Grapes
The season for local grapes begins around August and typically ends in November. If you want to consume them promptly, you can store them ideally at room temperature. However, to keep them fresh longer, they should be stored in the refrigerator.
And did you know that they last even longer in the fridge unwashed than washed? So it's best to wash grapes just before eating them.
Histamine and Grapes: Understand the Connection
Fresh grapes are generally suitable for a low-histamine diet, as they have a very low histamine content when fresh. The seeds of grapes also contain the plant compound OPC. According to various studies, OPC can even influence histamine levels in the body. The flavonoids contained in grape seed extract are able to inhibit the release of histamine in the body. This property makes OPC a natural antihistamine. Furthermore, it should be noted that grapes, if possible, should be bought in organic quality, as pesticides are very often used in grape cultivation. But what about the tolerance of processed grape products such as wine, grape juice, or raisins?
Wine and Histamine: An Overview of Compatibility
The histamine content in wine depends on several factors. These include the production process and storage conditions, as well as the age and potential contaminants.
It should be noted here that white wine contains less histamine than red wine. This is because red wine gets its histamine content mainly from its production process and not from the grapes themselves.
When buying wine, it is advisable to pay attention to the label. Although there is no specific seal for low-histamine wine, the ECARF seal can indicate that the wine can be consumed by individuals with allergies and intolerances. Some labels also include the note "histamine-tested."
If you want to learn more about alcohol in a low-histamine diet, you can find much more information in our blog article about alcohol in a low-histamine diet.
Histamine and Grape Juice: What You Need to Know
One might now assume that grape juice, due to its manufacturing process, is rather incompatible with a low-histamine diet, similar to wine. However, it's different with grape juice – since no fermentation and maturation take place during production, it is generally well tolerated.
Understand the connection between raisins and histamine
Raisins are dried grapes and are among the best-known dried fruits. Dried fruits from low-histamine fruit varieties such as apricots, cranberries, or grapes are well tolerated with a low-histamine diet, but it is best to opt for natural products of organic quality. Organic quality ensures that no incompatible preservatives like sulfur dioxide or chemical fertilizers were used in the dried fruits, which are both high in histamine and unhealthy.
In addition to fresh grapes, there are many other foods that are well suited for a low-histamine diet. If you want to learn about more suitable organic products, our HistaStarter-Set might be just right for you. It contains a selection of our most popular products and makes it easier for you to start a varied low-histamine diet.
Grapes: Compatibility with various diets
- low-histamine diet
- lactose-free diet
- gluten-free diet
- low-nickel diet
- low-fructose diet
- low-sorbitol diet
- low-salicylate diet
Grapes in a low-histamine kitchen: shopping tips and preparation
Fresh grapes can now be bought all year round. When shopping, however, it is important to ensure that they are not already overripe. For a low-histamine diet, it is particularly recommended to pay attention to freshness. The clearest sign of freshness is the temperature. If the grapes are still quite cold, it means that they have only recently come out of refrigeration and are therefore still very fresh.
Preparation:
To enjoy grapes plain, it is enough to wash them thoroughly with water. To refresh yourself on a warm summer day, you can also excellently freeze grapes and then enjoy them as a refreshing snack.
Low-histamine recipes with grapes
Below you will find some very delicious recipes for which you can excellently use grapes.
Fruit Sticks
The recipe is: low-histamine, gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan
You will need the following ingredients:
- Fruits of your choice, e.g. apricots, blueberries, grapes
- Water
- Acerola juice
- Maple syrup
- Agar Agar
Apple-Grape Jam
The recipe is: low-histamine, gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan
You will need the following ingredients:
- Apples
- Grape juice
- Cinnamon
- Apple pectin
- Coconut blossom sugar
- Acerola juice
Pumpkin-Beetroot Salad with Coriander
The recipe is: low-histamine, gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan
You will need the following ingredients:
- Hokkaido pumpkin
- HistaFood Organic Vegetable Broth
- Ginger (1)
- Beetroot (pre-cooked)
- Grapes
- Acerola juice
- Honey
- Grape seed oil
- Apple
- Coriander
- Salt
