As autumn paints the landscape with brilliant reds, oranges and golds, there’s no better way to embrace the season than with a leaf-peeping adventure paired with a beautiful fall charcuterie board featuring California Table Grapes as the star. These sweet, juicy gems not only provide the perfect contrast to rich autumn cheeses and savory cured meats, but heart-healthy grapes are a convenient and easy take-along on your fall fun adventures. Whether you’re hiking to a scenic overlook or settling in for a picnic among the fallen leaves, California grapes bring vibrant, visual appeal and fresh flavor to your fall spread. Let the season’s bounty inspire your next fall adventure with a charcuterie board that celebrates both the beauty of fall foliage and the peak harvest season of California’s supreme grapes.
Why Choose California Grapes?
California Grapes are a Fall Fruit: With a season that starts in May and runs into January, fresh California grapes are widely available throughout the fall, delivering crisp, juicy sweetness.
- Vibrant Variety: Mix red, green and black grapes for a visually stunning charcuterie board.
- Pairing Power: Their natural sweetness balances salty cheeses, savory meats and crunchy nuts.
- Healthful and Crowd-Pleasing: Not only are California grapes incredibly delicious, they’re nutritious too. Grapes have no fat, no cholesterol, virtually no sodium and no added sugar! Grapes are also a good source of Vitamin K and a natural source of antioxidants and other polyphenols. Research shows that table grape consumption helps support heart health and may help promote healthy aging.
Build Your Board
Ingredients:
-1 bunch each of red, green and black California grapes (clip into small, easy-to-grab clusters)
-2-3 types of cheese (try a mix of soft brie, sharp cheddar and creamy blue)
-Swap out a blue/roquefort for these Grape Roquefort Canapés for a perfect blend of sweet, salty and nutty flavors.
– 2-3 cured meats that range in flavor from mild to spicy and vary in texture (salami, prosciutto, soppressata, Spanish chorizo)
-Nuts (almonds, walnuts or pistachios)
-Sweet (honey, fig jam or homemade preserves) and/or savory spreads (mustard, caramelized onions)
-This simple relish adds both a naturally sweet, gently tangy pairing for your charcuterie spread.
-Crackers, crostini, and sliced baguette
-Olives and pickled vegetables
Assembling Your Board
-Start by placing clusters of grapes in several spots on the board to anchor your charcuterie display with color and freshness.
-Add cheese wedges or cubes, spacing them around the grapes.
-Layer in meats, rolling or folding meats like salami into a triangle or get creative and make a salami rose or rolling slices for visual appeal. (check out one of the many online tutorials)
-Fill small bowls with spreads, nuts and pickled items, then tuck them among the larger items.
-Use nuts to fill gaps and add texture.
-Serve crackers and sliced baguette on the side or in dry areas on the board to keep them crisp.
-Garnish if desired with fresh rosemary for a festive touch.
With their crisp sweetness and refreshing bite, California grapes bring balance to every charcuterie board and joy to every gathering – the perfect way to savor fall’s finest flavors and the season’s simple pleasures.