Grape leaves facts for kids
Merchant selling grape leaves in Damascus (2008)
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Grape leaves are the leaves from the grapevine plant. People use them in cooking in many different cultures around the world. You can find them fresh, or they might be kept in jars or cans so they last longer.
Often, these leaves are rolled up or stuffed with tasty mixtures. These mixtures usually contain meat and rice. This creates a dish called dolma. You can find dolma in places like the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and the Middle East. Grape leaves are also used in other recipes, sometimes cut into smaller pieces. They add a savory flavor to soups that have greens and cabbage.
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What's Inside Grape Leaves?
Grape leaves are a healthy food! When they are canned, cooked, and salted, they are mostly water (about 76%). They also have carbohydrates (12%), protein (4%), and a little fat (2%).
Nutrients in Grape Leaves
A small serving of 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces) of grape leaves has about 69 calories. They are packed with many important nutrients your body needs.
They are a great source of:
- Sodium: This helps your body balance fluids.
- Vitamin A: Important for good eyesight and a strong immune system.
- Copper: Helps your body make red blood cells.
- Pantothenic acid: Also known as Vitamin B5, it helps turn food into energy.
Grape leaves also provide other B vitamins and important dietary minerals. These nutrients help your body grow and stay healthy.
How Grape Leaves Are Used
Grape leaves are very popular in cooking. They are a key part of many traditional dishes.
Preserving Grape Leaves
Since grapevines only grow leaves for part of the year, people often preserve them. This means they can be enjoyed all year long. They are usually kept in jars or cans. This way, they stay fresh and ready to use whenever someone wants to cook with them.
Popular Dishes with Grape Leaves
The most famous dish made with grape leaves is dolma. This dish involves carefully stuffing the leaves. The filling can be different depending on the region. It often includes rice, ground meat, herbs, and spices. After stuffing, the rolls are usually cooked slowly. They can be boiled or steamed until they are tender and flavorful.
Grape leaves are also used in other ways. Sometimes, they are added to stews or soups. They give a unique, slightly tangy taste to these dishes.
Gallery
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Preserved grape leaves in jars
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Stuffed grape leaves with yogurt mint sauce
