Published on: 2026-08-05
Source: Moscow Government – Правительства Москвы –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The grape season of the new harvest has begun at Moscow markets. At the beginning of August, farmers bring grapes from the republics of Dagestan and Crimea, Krasnodar Krai, as well as from Rostov, Tambov, Kaluga, Lipetsk, Oryol, and Voronezh regions. The harvest time depends on the variety and the region where it is grown, so the selection is replenished as the berries ripen until mid-autumn.
Grapes contain dietary fiber, vitamin K, copper, and potassium. They also contain polyphenols — natural compounds with antioxidant properties that help protect the body’s cells from oxidative stress. Dark varieties usually have more pigmented polyphenolic compounds than light ones, but the exact composition depends on the variety, ripeness, and growing conditions.
On the shelves are light, dark, and red kishmish grapes, pink “lady’s fingers,” as well as the varieties “Luchisty,” “White Muscat,” and “Black Crimean.” They differ in color, size, taste, presence of seeds, and skin thickness.
The grape variety “Luchisty” was brought from the Rostov region by Alexander Balashov. His products can be found at the Moscow fair on Mosfilmovskaya Street. This variety belongs to the kishmish category: it is seedless and very sweet.
Grapes from the village of Kasumkent in the Republic of Dagestan are supplied by Ziedullo Sanginov, a participant of the Moscow fair on Marshal Zhukov Avenue. His family cultivates this crop in their own farm. The clusters are hand-picked, preserving the stems, and then carefully placed in boxes so that the berries do not get crushed or fall off during transportation.
“One of the main signs of freshness is the condition of the stem. If it is green and elastic, the grapes were harvested recently, while a dry one indicates that the bunch has been stored for some time,” the farmer explained.
In addition to grapes, the farmer’s family grows fruits and vegetables.
Grapes from the Tambov region can be found at the Moscow market near the Alma-Atinskaya metro station, where Alexey Barsukov brings them. At his stall are green kishmish and the “Black Crimean” variety. The light berries have a soft sweetness, while the dark ones have a more pronounced tartness.
On the advice of the farmer, grape clusters should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of about plus five degrees Celsius. Under such conditions, they can last up to 30 days, but the exact duration depends on the variety, ripeness, and condition of the berries at the time of purchase.
“Everyone has different preferences: often buyers choose sweet green kishmish, but I personally prefer dark grapes with a bit of tartness. Fresh berries can be eaten as is, and they also make delicious jams, compotes, and fruit drinks. We add peaches to the beverages — they pair well with grapes and make the flavor richer,” shared Alexey Barsukov.
It is not recommended to wash all the grapes immediately after purchase. Excess moisture reduces their shelf life, so the necessary portion of the bunch should be separated and rinsed directly before consumption. The rest should be kept dry and stored in the refrigerator.
The best way to enjoy the taste of the new harvest is fresh. Grapes pair well with soft and aged cheeses, cottage cheese, natural yogurt, and nuts. Seedless varieties are convenient to add to fruit and green salads, baked goods, and desserts. Fragrant berries are used to make compotes, fruit drinks, jam, and sauces. Grapes can also be baked with cheese or poultry, and kishmish is used to produce raisins. For drinks, combinations with peaches, apples, and seasonal berries are suitable.
Moscow fairs are places where city residents traditionally come for high-quality and fresh farm products. Here, each supplier guarantees the quality and freshness of the goods, and specialists state veterinary service Moscow city authorities inspect products before they are sent to the shelf.
Spaces for market participants are provided free of charge. The pavilions are equipped with all necessary trading and refrigeration equipment. They are located near metro stations and other crowded places, making them comfortable to visit.
Moscow fairs invite agro-aggregators from the regions, who can represent several farms and enterprises of the subject at once, to cooperate. Such cooperation not only allows local producers to enter the capital market but also attracts tourists to the region and generally has a positive effect on its image. More about cooperation can be found on the official website of the State Budgetary Institution “Moscow Fairs”.
More information about the activities of the metropolitan Department of Trade and Services — in official channel agencies in the “Max” messenger.
Get the main news promptly on the official channels of the city of Moscow in messengers “Max” and “Telegram”.
Please be advised; This information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate account of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.