GRAPES

Syn. Uvæ , L. The fruit of Vitis vinifera , or the common grape vine. Ripe grapes are cooling and antiseptic, and in large quantities diuretic and laxative. They are very useful in bilious affections and dyspepsia, and in all febrile, putrid, and inflammatory complaints. The skin and seed, which are indigestible, should be rejected. “Grapes which contain a large quantity of sugar are, if taken without the husks, the safest and most nutritive of summer fruits.” (Cullen.) “The subjects of pulmonary affections, who pa the summer in Switzerland, may try the effects of a course of grapes, ‘ cure de raisins ,’ a remedy held in high estimation in several parts of the Continent.” (Sir J. Clark.) Grapes, in bunches are preserved by wrapping them in silver paper, and packing them in dry bran. Each bunch is suspended by the stem with the fingers of one hand, whilst the bran is poured round it with the other; the jar being occasionally gently shaken as the proce of packing proceeds. Some paper is then laid over the top of the jar, the mouth or cover of which is, lastly, tied firmly over with bladder, to exclude the air and moisture. See Fruit , .