If you’ve ever wandered through a Southern farmers’ market in late summer, you’ve probably seen thick-skinned grapes in shades of deep purple and golden bronze, often sold under the names muscadine or scuppernong. Many people use the terms interchangeably, but they’re not exactly the same thing.
Scupadine is actually a regional term, but refers solely to scuppernong grapes.
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Let’s break down the difference between Scuppernong grapes and Muscadine grapes, explore their resveratrol content, and see how you can incorporate both into a healthy lifestyle.
🍇 What Are Muscadine Grapes?
Muscadine grapes (Vitis rotundifolia) are native to the southeastern United States and have been growing wild for hundreds of years. Unlike European wine grapes (Vitis vinifera), muscadines thrive in the hot, humid Southern climate.
They come in several colors — from deep purple and black to greenish-bronze — and have a naturally thick skin, which helps protect the fruit and boosts its antioxidant content.
Nutrient and Antioxidant Profile:
- Resveratrol: High amounts (found mainly in the skins)
- Ellagic acid & quercetin: Potent plant compounds with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer potential
- Dietary fiber: Found in the skin and seeds
- Vitamin C & manganese: Support immune health and metabolism
Muscadine grapes contain approximately 1–6 µg of resveratrol per gram of skin, depending on growing conditions — higher than most common grape varieties but lower than red wine made from European grapes. However, they make up for it with unique polyphenols like ellagic acid that aren’t found in regular grapes.
🟤 So, What Are Scuppernong Grapes?
Scuppernong (Scupadine) grapes are actually a bronze-colored variety of muscadine grapes — a specific cultivar that originated along the Scuppernong River in North Carolina. They’re considered the first domesticated grape in the United States and are sometimes affectionately called scupadines in Southern dialects.
Scuppernongs tend to be larger, lighter in color, and slightly sweeter than darker muscadines. They have a honey-like aroma and are prized for homemade jellies, wines, and fresh snacking.
Nutrient and Antioxidant Profile:
- Resveratrol: Slightly lower than darker muscadines due to lighter skin pigmentation
- Flavonoids and tannins: Still abundant, offering antioxidant and heart-protective effects
- Natural sugars: Make them sweeter and popular for fresh eating and desserts
Because resveratrol concentrates in the skin, Scuppernongs (being bronze or greenish) typically have less resveratrol than dark purple or black muscadines. However, they remain rich in ellagic acid, gallic acid, and catechins, all of which have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.
💪 Health Benefits: Why Incorporate Muscadines and Scuppernongs?
Whether you prefer the deep purple muscadine or the golden scuppernong, both pack a nutritional punch.
1. Antioxidant Defense
The skins and seeds contain polyphenols that help neutralize free radicals, supporting long-term cellular health and slowing oxidative aging.
2. Heart Health
Resveratrol, ellagic acid, and flavonoids all promote circulation, lower blood pressure, and help prevent LDL cholesterol oxidation — a key factor in heart disease.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Compounds in muscadines may suppress inflammatory pathways, offering potential benefits for joint, brain, and gut health.
4. Digestive Health
The fiber and tannins in muscadine skins support the gut microbiome and may reduce harmful bacteria in the digestive tract.
5. Cancer Research
Early lab studies suggest extracts from muscadine grapes may inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells by promoting apoptosis (cell death) and preventing new vessel formation that feeds tumors.
🥂 How to Enjoy Them
- Fresh eating: Chill them and pop out the pulp — or eat skin and all for maximum antioxidants.
- Juice & wine: Both varieties make rich, flavorful juices and sweet dessert wines.
- Jams & jellies: Traditional Southern recipes preserve the flavor for year-round enjoyment.
- Supplements: Muscadine extracts and resveratrol capsules are available for those who prefer concentrated forms.
So, what’s the difference between Scuppernongs and Muscadines?
Scuppernongs are simply the bronze, sweeter cousin of the darker muscadine grape.
When it comes to resveratrol, dark muscadines take the lead, but both varieties are nutritional powerhouses that deliver antioxidants, fiber, and heart-healthy compounds unique to the American South.
Incorporating either into your diet — whether as fruit, juice, or even wine — adds a touch of sweetness, heritage, and genuine health benefit to your table.
A Little Bit Deeper Research
There is so much to learn in the world of resveratrol, antioxidants, superfoods and wine. This is the place to start, no matter what, if you indeed are looking to maximize your health and live longer.
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How Much Resveratrol is in Grapes? Resveratrol is an antioxidant that is oxidized in the presence of oxygen. The longer resveratrol is exposed, the less potent and useful it becomes. |
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The Health Benefits of Muscadine Grapes What makes these North Carolina grapes such powerhouses of health? |
