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 by the names currants, table grapes or grapes in general. They come from Central Asia and depending on the degree of ripeness they are sweet to tart in taste. Grapes can be found in a variety of colors, but to make it easier, they are simply distinguished between light and dark grapes. However, they differ hardly in taste.
Season and storage of grapes
The season of domestic grapes starts around August and typically ends in November. If you want to eat them soon, you can ideally store them at room temperature. However, to keep them fresh a little longer, you should store them in the refrigerator.
And did you know that they last longer in the refrigerator unwashed than washed? So it is best to wash the grapes just before eating.
Histamine and grapes: Understand the connection
Fresh grapes are generally suitable for a low-histamine diet, since they have a very low histamine content in their fresh state. Grape seeds also contain the plant substance OPC. According to various studies OPC can even influence the histamine level in the body. The contained flavonoids of grape seed extract are able to inhibit the release of histamine in the body. This property makes OPC a natural antihistamine. Furthermore, it should still be noted with grapes to buy them in organic quality if possible, as pesticides are very frequently used in the cultivation of grapes. But what about the tolerability of processed grape products such as wine, grape juice or raisins?
Wine and histamine: Tolerability at a glance
The histamine content in wine depends on several factors. On the one hand, on the manufacturing process and the storage conditions, but also on the age and possible impurities.
Basically, it should be mentioned here that white wine contains less histamine than red wine. Because red wine gets its histamine content mainly through its manufacturing process and not through the contained grapes.
When buying wine, it is advisable to pay attention to the label. Although there is no seal for low-histamine wine, the ECARF seal can indicate that the wine can be drunk with allergies and intolerances. Some labels also contain the note "histamine-tested".
If you want to learn even more about alcohol on a low-histamine diet, you will find many more pieces of information in our blog post about alcohol on a low-histamine diet.
Histamine and grape juice: What you need to know
One might now assume that grape juice is rather intolerant on a low-histamine diet due to the manufacturing process, similar to wine. However, it is different with grape juice – Since no fermentation and maturation takes 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 on a low-histamine diet, but it is best to use natural products in organic quality for this. Through the organic quality, it is ensured that no intolerable preservatives such as sulfur dioxide or chemical fertilizers were used in the dried fruits, which are on the one hand high in histamine and on the other unhealthy.
In addition to fresh grapes, there are many other foods that are well suited for a low-histamine diet. If you would like to discover even more suitable organic products, our HistaStarter-Set could be just right for you. It contains a selection of our most popular products and makes it easier for you to get started with a varied low-histamine diet.
Grapes: Tolerability in different diets
- low-histamine diet
- lactose-free diet
- gluten-free diet
- low-nickel diet
- low-fructose diet
- low-sorbitol diet
- low-salicylate diet
Grapes in the low-histamine kitchen: Shopping tips and processing
Nowadays, you can buy fresh grapes all year round. However, when shopping, it is important to make sure that they are not already overripe. On a low-histamine diet, it is advisable to pay special attention to freshness. The clearest sign of freshness is the temperature. If the grapes are still quite cold, this means that they have only recently come out of the refrigerator and are therefore still very fresh.
Processing:
To enjoy grapes plain, it is enough to wash them thoroughly with water. To refresh yourself on a warm summer day, you can also freeze grapes and then enjoy them as a refreshing snack.
Low-histamine recipes with grapes
Below you will find a few very delicious recipes for which you can use grapes perfectly.
Fruit Sticks
The recipe is: low-histamine, gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan
You need the following ingredients:
- Fruit 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 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 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
