Grapes are summer fruit. Messinia is a major grape growing area of Greece. Local varieties include fraoula, sideritis, Dattier de Beyrouth B (rozaki), cardinal, and sultana. Currently, grapes are receiving much more attention by consumers, as researchers are investigating the beneficial properties of phenols contained in grapes.
Grapes are a quite important source of carbohydrates and are rich in carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin, substances with possible beneficial effects on eye health. They also contain flavonoids, such as anthocyanidins, which strengthen the antioxidant defense mechanisms of the body, flavonols that protect cardiovascular health and proanthocyanidins, which offer benefits to the renal and heart system. Finally, grapes have selenium, an antioxidant substance that strengthens immune defenses by neutralizing free radicals.