Why it works: Grape and lemon are a kitchen classic. They rank in the top 14% of all ingredient pairs, and cooks put them together in 2,412 recipes. Both carry 3-hexenal, which smells apple, fruity. The science ↓
Sweet and Sour Grapes
Serves 2Ingredients
Directions
Prepare
Wash grapes and cut in half, lengthwise.
Place grapes in a container with a tight-fitting lid.
Add citric acid, close container and shake well to coat.
Freeze and serve
Place in the freezer for about an hour or until frozen through.
Serve frozen.
Nutrition, whole recipe (rough)
What these numbers assume: 2 portions
| Ingredient | Portion assumed | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Grape | 1/2 cup (76g) | 62 |
| Lemon | juice of 1 lemon (48ml) | 12 |
One typical portion per ingredient; the recipe's quantities are not counted. A rough guide only, not for medical or dietary planning.
Steps grouped into stages for easier reading; the method is the source's own.
Explore the science
The flavor team
The pairs that carry this dish. Each one is judged two ways: how much their aromas overlap, and how often cooks already put them together.
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Grape + lemontop 14% of all pairsSmell alikemoderateCooked together2,412 recipes
Shared aroma: 3-hexenal (apple, fruity).
Ranks compare each pair with 20,000 random ingredient pairs on CompKitchen. How we score pairs
What each ingredient does
- Grapes
- Provide the fruit base, and their juice and sugars give the frozen pieces their flavor and texture.
- Citric acid
- Adds sourness that balances the grapes' sweetness and brightens the flavor.
The step that matters
Freeze until frozen through. Grapes need to freeze completely in the center so they set firm and crisp rather than soft and watery. Stopping early leaves cold juice that thaws quickly and loses its texture.
“What each ingredient does” and “The step that matters” were written by Claude from this recipe’s own method and reviewed in samples by CompKitchen.
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