Shine Muscat exceeds expectations... The Rural Development Administration pushes for the distribution of 3 high-quality grape varieties.

(Jeonju=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Jin-bang = The Rural Development Administration announced on the 15th that it will actively promote three varieties of high-quality grapes, namely 'Cocoball', 'Shooting Star', and 'Hongju Seedless', which were born through public-private cooperation.

The Rural Development Administration expects that an increase in the shipment volume of high-quality grapes will help alleviate the over-reliance on Shine Muscat among domestic grape farmers and expand consumer choices.

Shine Muscat, introduced to South Korea in 2015, is a variety that has seen a rapid increase in cultivation area recently, thanks to its high sugar content (average 18 Brix) and the convenience of being able to eat it with the skin on.

The three varieties of high-quality grapes being promoted this time can also be eaten with the skin on and have distinctive features in terms of taste, aroma, and texture compared to conventional grapes.

Firstly, Cocoball is named for its thin skin that has a cocoa hue and its natural dimples that appear to be hand-sculpted. The skin is thin enough to be eaten, and the flesh is firm. Its sugar content is high, averaging over 19 Brix.

In particular, the grapes hang in clusters, reducing the labor required to pick them, making it a grape variety that is attractive not only to consumers but also to farmers. Currently, it is being cultivated on a scale of 5 hectares mainly in Cheonan, Yeongcheon, and Sangju areas.

Shooting Star, with its name fittingly resembling a "shooting star," has a unique skin color that seems to scatter starlight and a popping candy-like aroma that is attractive. Its sugar content averages over 19 Brix, and its crisp texture, unique aroma, and color, which can be eaten with the skin on, are attracting the attention of the younger generation.

Starting this year, around 20 tons are being shipped from Sangju and distributed mainly through department stores and online markets.

Hongju Seedless, meaning "seedless red grape," is characterized by its unique appearance and the fact that it can be eaten with the skin on. Its sugar content averages over 18 Brix, and it has a balanced sweet and sour taste, making it popular among consumers who prefer a tart and sweet flavor. Saplings have been distributed to around 100 hectares nationwide, including Sangju and Hongseong.

The Rural Development Administration aims to increase the cultivation area of these three varieties to a total of 300 hectares by 2030 and is working in cooperation with local governments, producer groups, and the distribution industry.