Bangalore Blue Grapes

About the product :

Fox grape (Vitis labrusca) of the Bangalore Blue variety is cultivated in the areas surrounding Bangalore, India. In the state of Karnataka, there are three main grape varieties: Thomson seedless, Anab-E-Shahi Dilkush, and this one. In 2013, the Indian government gave it a geographical indicator designation.

Bangalore Blue grapes are distinguished by their deep purple hue, sweet flavour, and sultry perfume. This grape is used as a table grape and is also used to manufacture juice and wine. The month of December is usually when the grapes are picked.

In a particular region near Bangalore, the Bangalore Blue grape is cultivated. This region has sandy loam soil and a warm, humid environment. The Bangalore Blue grape can be grown in these optimal conditions.

The Bangalore Blue grape’s GI designation aids in preserving its distinctive qualities and stellar reputation. It also aids in spreading awareness of the product to a larger market.

Bangalore Blue is closely related to the American Concord variety which has a strong natural resistance against phylloxera bugs.

Specialities:

The specialties of Bangalore Blue are:

• Dark purple color: The Bangalore Blue grape has a deep purple color that is not found in other varieties of grape. This color is due to the anthocyanins that are present in the grape skin. Anthocyanins are antioxidants that have been shown to have health benefits.
• Sweet flavor: The Bangalore Blue grape has a sweet flavor that is balanced by a hint of acidity. This flavor is due to the sugar and acids that are present in the grape juice.
• Foxy aroma: The Bangalore Blue grape has a foxy aroma that is unique to this variety. This aroma is due to the presence of terpenes, which are aromatic compounds that are found in the grape skin.
• Table grape: The Bangalore Blue grape is a table grape, which means that it is eaten fresh. It is also used to make wine and juice.
• Grown in a specific geographical area: The Bangalore Blue grape is grown in a specific geographical area around Bangalore. This area has the ideal climate and soil conditions for the cultivation of this variety.

Cultivation of Bangalore Blue:

The cultivation of Bangalore Blue grapes is done in a specific geographical area around Bangalore. The soil in this area is sandy loam and the climate is warm and humid. These conditions are ideal for the cultivation of the Bangalore Blue grape.

The following are the steps involved in the cultivation of Bangalore Blue grapes:

1. Land preparation: The land is prepared by plowing and leveling it. The soil is also enriched with organic matter, such as manure or compost.Preferably red loamy sand.
2. Planting: The grapes are planted in the month of June. The vines are spaced 1.5 to 2 meters apart.
3. Training: The vines are trained to grow on a trellis. This helps to keep the vines organized and allows for better air circulation.
4. Pruning: The vines are pruned in the month of February. This helps to remove dead or diseased wood and to promote new growth.
5. Fertilization: The vines are fertilized every 2 to 3 months. The fertilizer is applied to the soil around the vines.
6. Irrigation: The vines are irrigated regularly, especially during the dry season.
7. Pest control: The vines are protected from pests and diseases using pesticides and fungicides.
8. Harvesting: The grapes are harvested in the month of December. The grapes are picked by hand and sorted to remove any damaged or diseased grapes.
9. Temperature : 35 to 37 degree celsius during the day and night temperature of 12 to 15 degree celsius.

Given below are some of the additional tips for growing Bangalore Blue grapes:

• Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
• Plant the vines in the spring or fall.
• Water the vines regularly, especially during the hot summer months.
• Fertilize the vines every 2 to 3 months.
• Protect the vines from pests and diseases.
• Harvest the grapes when they are ripe.

Why Bangalore?

The reasons why Bangalore is suitable for the cultivation of Bangalore Blue grapes:

• Soil: The soil in the Bangalore area is sandy loam, which is ideal for the cultivation of grapes. Sandy loam is a type of soil that is well-drained and has good air circulation. These conditions are important for the growth of grapes, as they help to prevent the spread of diseases.
• Climate: The climate in the Bangalore area is warm and humid. These conditions are also ideal for the cultivation of grapes. Grapes need warm weather to grow and ripen. The humidity in the air helps to keep the grapes from drying out.
• Altitude: The Bangalore area is located at an altitude of about 900 meters above sea level. This altitude is ideal for the cultivation of grapes. Grapes need a cool climate at night to produce good quality grapes. The higher altitude in Bangalore helps to keep the nights cool.
• Rainfall: The Bangalore area receives an average annual rainfall of about 800 mm. This rainfall is enough to meet the water requirements of the grapes. However, the grapes are also irrigated during the dry season to ensure a good yield.
• Pests and diseases: The Bangalore area has a relatively low incidence of pests and diseases that affect grapes. This is due to the warm and humid climate, which is not conducive to the growth of pests and diseases.

Fun Facts:

• The Bangalore Blue grape is a hybrid grape that was developed in the 1960s by Dr. M.C. Ganguly of the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research in Bangalore.
• The grape is a cross between the American grape Concord and the European grape Vitis vinifera.
• The Bangalore Blue grape is known for its dark purple color, sweet flavor, and foxy aroma.
• The grape is grown in a specific geographical area around Bangalore. The soil in this area is sandy loam and the climate is warm and humid.
• The Bangalore Blue grape is a table grape, which means that it is eaten fresh. It is also used to make wine and juice.
• The Bangalore Blue grape is a popular choice for fresh eating, wine making, and juice making.
• The Bangalore Blue grape was given a GI tag (Geographical Indication) in 2013.
• This variety has been grown for the past 150 years in the districts of Bangalore Urban (Chikkaballapur and Kolar). It is cultivated extensively in an area of about 5000 hectares, mainly in the Nandi Valley.

References:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangalore_Blue
2. http://www.karnataka.com/vineyards/
3. http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/grape-farmers-get-the-blues/article2697462.ece
4. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/bengaluru-products-with-gi-tags-now-on-postal-covers-1030437.html
5. https://jdgft-bangalore.kar.nic.in/TPC/GI%20booklet.pdf
6. https://www.theippress.com/2020/07/15/geographical-indication-gi-tags-of-karnataka/