The Thompson Seedless also known as the Sultana is the worlds most versatile and widely planted white grape It is often called a threeway grape because it dominates the market for fresh eating raisin production and winemaking
Physical AppearanceShape Naturally elongated and oval though modern farming techniques like the use of gibberellic acid are often used to make the berries even larger and longer
Color Ranging from pale chartreuse to a light goldenyellow when fully ripe A deeper yellow color usually indicates higher sugar levels
Skin Very thin and tender making it easy to eat without any bitterness
Flesh Pale green semitranslucent and firm with a crisp snap when bitten
Taste and TextureFlavor Profile It has a mild clean and reliably sweet taste Because it lacks intense musk or floral notes it is a favorite for those who prefer a neutral sweet grape
Seedless Nature It is naturally seedless technically it has tiny soft unnoticeable seed traces which made it the first variety to revolutionize the modern table grape industry
History amp Global NamesOrigins It originated in the Ottoman Empire modernday Turkey/Iran where it was known as Sultanina
The Thompson Name In 1872 an Englishman named William Thompson imported cuttings to California One vine survived and its success led to the variety being renamed in his honor in the United States
Sultana vs Thompson In the UK Australia and South Africa the fresh grape is often called a Sultana In the US it is almost exclusively Thompson Seedless
Primary UsesRaisins Most of the worlds raisins come from this grape If they are sundried naturally they turn dark brown If they are treated with sulfur dioxide and ovendried they become Golden Raisins or Sultanas
Winemaking Used extensively as a base for white wine blends and brandy
Culinary The leaves are the preferred choice for Mediterranean dishes like Dolmas stuffed grape leaves because they are tender and large