Grapes: A favor from the Bestower

 

 

Grapes (Arb: 'Inab) 

Allah, the Bestower  mentions grapes eight times in the Qur'aan, as one of the innumerable favors He bestowed upon His creation. Grapes are fruits found both on the earth and in paradise according to The Noble Book and Prophetic traditions. 

First, it is mentioned in Surah Al Anaam: 99  

" And out of the date¬palm and its spathe come forth clusters of dates hanging low and near, and gardens of grapes, olives and pomegranates, each similar (in kind) yet different (in variety and taste). Look at their fruits when they begin to bear, and the ripeness thereof. Verily! In these things there are signs for people who believe." (99) 

Second, we can find it mentioned in Surah An-Nahl:11 

 "With it He causes to grow for you the crops, the olives, the date-palms, the grapes, and every kind of fruit. Verily! In this is indeed an evident proof and a manifest sign for people who give thought."(11)

Third, we can find grapes mentioned in Surah An-Nahl:67 

 "And from the fruits of date-palms and grapes, you derive strong drink and a goodly provision. Verily, therein is indeed a sign for people who have wisdom." (67)

Here in Surah YaSeen:34, 35 "And We have made therein gardens of date-palms and grapes, and We have caused springs of water to gush forth therein. (34) So that they may eat of the fruit thereof,— and their hands made it not. Will they not, then, give thanks?"(35)

 Again, it is mentioned in Surah 'Abasaa: 28 "And grapes and clover plants (i.e. green fodder for the cattle), (28) And olives and date-palms, (29) And gardens, dense with many trees, (30) And fruits and herbage. (31) (To be) a provision and benefit for you and your cattle."

I have recounted five of the eight here. The other places grapes can be found in the Noble Qur'aan are Surah Al-Israa: 91; Surah Al-Kahf:32 and  Surah Al-Mu'minoon:19.  

 From these evidences we can see that grapes have been provided for us to eat. They can be eaten fresh, dried, ripe or even cooked. Grapes can be classified as a fruit, food, a condiment, a drink and a medicine. Botanically, grapes are classified as berries. Domesticated grapes grow in clusters and they range in color from pale green to black ( see the picture above). Green grapes are the sweetest when the color has a yellowish cast, and they are more nutritious than the black variety, even if they are equally sweet.  

In  Medicine of the Prophet, Ibn Al-Qayyim  states that it is better  and more nutritious to eat grapes two or three days old, (when the skin becomes soft),than those harvested on the same day. When eaten the same day of harvesting they produce flatulence and gas in the stomach and intestines. Otherwise, the nutritional benefits of table grapes are similar to those of figs and raisins. . 

Grapes are categorized as one of the 'Three Royal Fruits: namely grapes, figs and dates'.  

Health benefits of eating grapes:  

• inhibit the growth of cancer cells

• heart protective antioxidants found in grape seeds such as  proanthocyanidin and resveratrol,contain anti-inflammatory proponents

• scientists have discovered that the flavonoid, carotenoid lycopene found in red grapes may help fight breast cancer and prostate cancer

• assist in weight gaining

• increase body tone

• seedless grapes have a gentle purgative effect

 

Recipe Spotlight:    Greens with Grapes (courtesy of http://www.freshcaliforniagrapes.com)
		Ingredients 1 cup California seedless red grapes, cut in half 3 cups greens, such as radicchio, escarole, frisee, watercress or dandelion greens, or a mix of these, well washed 1 tablespoon red onion, chopped 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/8 teaspoon salt black pepper to taste Directions Place the grapes, greens and onion in a large bowl. Dress with vinegar, oil, salt and pepper. Toss gently and serve.