Sep 4, 2024

Shine Muscat: The Sweet Jewel of Japanese Grapes

Grapes, as a healthy snack or dessert, already score high in convenience—no peeling, no cutting, no large seeds to fuss with. But leave it to Japan to take something simple and elevate it to new heights. Enter the Shine Muscat: the green jewel of grape greatness. Bigger, sweeter, juicier, and perfectly balanced with a bit of tartness, these grapes are a marvel of agricultural artistry. Curious to know more about this fabulous fruit?

table of contents

What is a Shine Muscat? Thirty Years of Fruition How to Enjoy Where to Buy

What is a Shine Muscat?

The name alone is enough to spark curiosity and awaken the palate. Shine Muscats dazzle with their frosty green glow and a firm, easy-to-bite texture, enhanced by a distinctly refreshing muscat aroma. These generous gems, sometimes reaching 3 cm (1 in) in diameter, deliver a burst of sweetness, with a sugar content of around eighteen percent—rivaling that of a banana.

On top of all these charms, Shine Muscats are seedless and have a thin, non-astringent skin, making them perfect for eating whole.

Thirty Years of Fruition

Originally, Muscat grape varieties, which thrive in regions with little rainfall, were challenging to cultivate in Japan with heavy precipitation. However, to expand Japan's grape market, efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries began to develop a variety that retained the European-popular traits: firm, green, fresh aromatic, large size, and edible skin—classic Muscat features.

The breeding process kicked off at what is now NARO, the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, in 1988, using several grape varieties, mainly Steuben and Muscat of Alexandria. Fast forward to 2003, and the successful result was the Shine Muscat, officially registered as a new variety in 2006 in Japan.

Developed over several decades, this variety has now become a regular star in the fruit sections of any supermarket from summer through autumn. From being a groundbreaking innovation, Shine Muscats have now turned into the show-stealer of the season, charming shoppers with their luscious allure.

How to Enjoy

There are countless ways to enjoy Shine Muscat grapes. For a healthy and simple snack, just pop them straight from the bunch. Their plump fruit and crisp skin, make them perfect as they are.

Fruit-filled treats offer a delightful surprise, and grapes are no exception. Try the Shine Muscat daifuku—a sweet muscat-flavored bean paste nestled inside a chewy, green-colored mochi. It's a unique twist on a classic confection.

For an extra-refreshing and visually stunning dessert, add cuts of Shine Muscat to syrup-covered shaved ice. It’s pure bliss with every bite!

Feeling fancy? Pair them with cheese. A creamy camembert or burrata takes the aromatic experience to the next level.

Where to Buy

Once a rare treat, Shine Muscats are now a common sight in almost any supermarket or local produce store. Prices can vary widely; you can snag a reasonably priced bunch for under 1,000 yen with smaller grapes, but in Japan, where gifting fruit is a cherished tradition, premium-quality Shine Muscats can set you back up to 5,000 yen (about $35) for a 700 g (around 25 oz) bunch. Truly, they are the crown jewels of the fruit world. Their peak season runs from the scorching summer months to around October. Right now, they're at their absolute best.

A lesser-known tidbit: Shine Muscats are so adored in Japan that they even have their own day! Shine Muscat Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of September. Now that’s grape love!

The Shine Muscat is a shining example of Japanese dedication to excellence and innovation. With its meticulously crafted natural flavor, elegant looks, and muscat fragrance, this grape is truly something special. Whether you enjoy it in all its natural glory, pair it with gourmet foods, or gift it as a symbol of luxury, the Shine Muscat never fails to captivate and delight.

Next time you get a chance to taste a Shine Muscat, savor every bite and marvel at the artistry that makes it so exceptional. It’s like enjoying a little piece of fruity heaven!