European type grapes grown in California, make up the bulk of the table grape production available in stores. the American type of grape grown in the east are available only in small quantities.

The following represents the USDA's Standards :  European varieties have firm fleshed and generally have a high sugar content. The American varieties have a softer flesh and are often more juicy than the European varieties.

Look for:  Well colored, plump grapes that are firmly attached to the stem.  White or green grapes are the sweetest when the color has a yellowish cast or straw color, with a tinge of amber.  Red varieties are better when a good red predominates on all or most of the grapes .  The bunches are more likely to hold together if the stems are predominately green and pliable.

Avoid:  Soft, wrinkled grapes with bleached areas around the stem, and leaking grapes.