Category: May 27

  • NATIONAL GRAPE DAY | May 27

    NATIONAL GRAPE DAY

    Today is May 27 and we are celebrating the sweetness of National Grape Day by encouraging everyone enjoy one of natures most delicious foods.

    #NATIONALGRAPEDAY

    Grapes are one of the most popular fruits from around the world. National Grape Day on May 27 celebrates the juicy and flavorful varieties available for snacking, sharing, and even drinking.

    Archeologists say grapes have been around for 130 million years. In fact, they are one of the oldest plants on earth. Early records indicate grapes were originally cultivated 6,000 to 7,000 years ago for trading in western Asia, including Egypt, Iran, Israel and Cyprus. Interestingly, grapes were also found in tombs during the pre-Christ era. Today, there are nearly 10,000 known varieties of grapes from around the world, with about 1,300 specific varieties found in vineyards for making wine.

    5 Common Table Grapes

    1. Concord grapes are a purple grape with a sugary taste. They have large seeds and are best when used in candy, pies, jellies, and juice.
    2. Crimson Seedless is a reddish-green grape most commonly found in grocery stores. This grape is firm and has a subtle sweetness with a hint of tartness.
    3. Sultana grapes, or Thompson Seedless grapes, are possibly the oldest grape available today. This greenish/white grape is a smaller table grape with a sweet, juicy flavor.
    4. Niagara grapes, or white Concord grapes, are a light green grape that has a sweet, lemony flavor. Niagara grapes are great for making white grape juice.
    5. Flame Seedless grapes is a popular table grape and purchased often because of availability. The grape is a purple-reddish color and is a hybrid of a Thompson Seedless and the Cardinal grape.

    Vino

    According to archeological finds, the art of winemaking goes back about 6,000 to 7,000 BCE after discovering wine production in the Georgia region. However, many archeologists believe wine was made long before this time. Interestingly, the winemaking discovery has allowed scientists to analyze the grapes discovered by archeologists to determine the evolution and histories of grapes.

    What grapes make good wine? It is important to understand wine grapes are smaller and sweeter than grapes we buy in the grocery store. Though table grapes and wine grapes are very similar, wine grapes require specialized care when growing because of their use.

    Wine grapes grow all over the world. In fact, specific regions produce the best grapes for wine. However, some people are unaware the name of wine actually reflects the name of the grape.

    6 Common Wine Grapes

    1. Merlot
    2. Pinot Noir
    3. Cabernet Sauvignon
    4. Chardonnay
    5. Riesling
    6. Pinot Gris

    The flavor of wine is depends on the region the grapes grow. Vine management during the growing season requires skill and dedication to ensure the harvest season is a successful one. Picking grapes at the exact ripeness is important to deliver a delicious wine product.

    5 UNKNOWN WINE FACTS

    1. Toasting wine glasses originated in ancient Rome when adding toast to wine to help minimize the acidity of wine. 
    2. In ancient Greece the host of a party would drink the first glass of wine to prove to guests the wine was not poison. This became known as drinking to someone’s health.
    3. The oldest alcoholic beverage was discovered in China around 7,000 BC, where a drink was made from fermented grapes, honey, and rice.
    4. Wine fraud is an ancient law originating in Mesopotamia and is known as The Code of Hammurabi.
    5. Christianity in ancient Rome began using wine as a religious ritual to promote the use of wine to help the wine industry flourish.

    CHEERS TO NATIONAL GRAPE DAY

    A bottle of wine goes a long way to enhancing the flavor of a meal. It also loosens the tongue and improving conversations. While most of us don’t need an excuse to open a bottle of our favorite wine, it doesn’t hurt to celebrate it when we do! There are many ways to celebrate National Grape Day, including 9 Wine Celebrations You Don’t Want to Miss. Here are a few more ways to celebrate:

    1. Add grapes to your green salad for additional flavor.
    2. Make a peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich.
    3. Add sliced grapes to your chicken salad.
    4. Attend a wine tasting to learn about the different varieties of wine.
    5. Visit a winery to learn and sample wine.
    6. Participate in a wine exchange with a group of friends.
    7. Share your grape celebrations on social media using #NationalGrapeDay

    Wine is often an essential ingredient to may celebrations, too. It’s no surprise we celebrate wine throughout the calendar. Other National Days on the Calendar worth celebrating:

  • NATIONAL GRAPE POPSICLE DAY | May 27

    NATIONAL GRAPE POPSICLE DAY

    Since summer is just around the corner, May 27th calls for warm weather, sunshine, and National Grape Popsicle Day.

    #GrapePopsicleDay

    In San Francisco, California, in 1905, 11-yr-old Frank Epperson was outside on his porch, mixing water with a white powdered flavoring to make soda.  Upon going inside, he left it there on the porch with the stirring stick still in it.  That night the temperature reached a record low and the following morning, Frank discovered the drink had frozen to the stick.

    Years later, in 1922, Epperson introduced his treat at a fireman’s ball where it was a huge success. Then in 1923, he made and sold his frozen treat-on-a-stick at an amusement park in Alameda, California.  Epperson applied for a patent in 1924 for his frozen confectionery, which he called “Epsicle” ice pop.  He then renamed it “Popsicle“.

    Popsicles are one of summertime’s favorite treats for kids of all ages. National Grape Popsicle Day honors one of the most popular flavors!

    HOW TO OBSERVE GRAPE POPSICLE DAY

    Make some homemade grape popsicles or pick up your favorite frozen grape treat. We even have a grape…great One Ingredient Grape Popsicle Recipe from our National Day Calendar Ambassadors, the Erratic Divas. One way to enjoy your popsicle without the mess is by adding it to a clear soda. Pour the soda into a glass and then just add your popsicle to your soda. Not only does it keep your drink cool, but it also adds a bright color to your beverage. As the popsicle begins to melt, break it up like a slushy. What other ways do you enjoy your popsicles?

    Use #GrapePopsicleDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL GRAPE POPSICLE DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this summer holiday celebration. While we celebrate, check out these other sweet and chilly holidays:

    Still looking for more? Find 7 Summertime Treats to Celebrate Every Day!

  • NATIONAL CELLOPHANE TAPE DAY – May 27

    NATIONAL CELLOPHANE TAPE DAY

    It could be a sticky situation on May 27th as we recognize National Cellophane Tape Day. Can you imagine where we would be without this invention? Wrapping presents would be slightly more difficult without it.

    #CellophaneTapeDay

    Also known as invisible tape or Scotch Tape, this innovation can be found in every household and office. Richard Gurley Drew (June 22, 1899 – December 14, 1980) invented the invisible tape in 1930. He created the tape from cellulose and originally called it cellulose tape. His career started at the 3M company in 1920 in St. Paul, Minnesota where he developed a masking tape for the automotive industry in 1925.

    Originally designed to seal Cellophane packages sold in groceries and bakeries, the new adhesive missed its mark. By the time all its drawbacks were resolved, DuPont introduced heat-sealed cellophane. However, the Cellophane packaging still offered some benefits.

    With a resounding endorsement from customers, 3M found a market in both the home and the office. Many of us keep several rolls of it, too. Check the closet with the wrapping paper for a roll or two. There will be another in the junk drawer. Count another on the desk, perhaps. In offices and schools, teachers and employees stash the tape in large quantities.

    HOW TO OBSERVE CELLOPHANE TAPE DAY

    From craft projects to posters, Cellophane tape holds up to the hype. How many rolls of this invisible tape do you have laying around? Wrap a package or tape a picture to the fridge. Repair a torn page from a book. Share your favorite uses for cellophane tape by using #CellophaneTapeDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL CELLOPHANE TAPE DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this sticky holiday. In the meantime, explore these other innovative holidays:

    May 27th Celebrated History

    1931

    Balloonists Paul Kipfer and Auguste Piccard rode their balloon 10 miles up into the sky. They were the first humans to travel to the stratosphere.

    1933

    Beams of light from the star Arcturus helped to open the “Century of Progress” Chicago World’s Fair. Four telescopes from separate observatories captured the light and funneled the signal to Western Union Telegraph lines, closing the circuit and amplifying the rays. The beams were reflected straight up like a spotlight. At the time, scientists believed the light from Arcturus took 40 light-years to travel to Earth and the event was designed to recognize Chicago’s Columbian Exposition 40 years earlier in 1893. Today we know it takes 37 light-years.

    1935

    San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge opens to pedestrian traffic.

    1999

    Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-96) Is Launched on a 6-day Mission and the First Shuttle Docking to the International Space Station

    May 27th Celebrated Birthdays

    Julia Ward Howe – 1819

    The American author and poet is best known for writing the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and for inspiring the movement toward a national Mother’s Day observance.

    Wild Bill Hickok – 1837

    Born James Butler Hickok gained a reputation as an Old West folk hero.

    Rachel Carson – 1907

    The American marine biologist published the book Silent Spring inspiring the environmental movement.

    Vincent Price – 1911

    The American actor is best known for his roles in horror and suspense films. One of his most memorable roles was Dracula. However, he also appeared in numerous other works. In 1989, Sesame Street introduces a new character inspired by Price; Vincent Twice lived in an austere mansion and hosted Mysterious Theater sketches from a velvet chair and characteristically said his name twice.