Muscadine preserves are a tasty and convenient way to enjoy the flavors of fresh muscadine grapes all year round. At 40 calories per tablespoon (15 g), they offer a low-calorie alternative to traditional jams and jellies.

In addition to being low in calories, muscadine preserves are also a good source of key vitamins and minerals. They are high in vitamin C, which supports immune function, and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. Muscadine grapes are also rich in flavonoids, a type of antioxidant that may help reduce inflammation in the body.

Read on to learn more about the nutritional profile and potential health benefits of muscadine preserves, as well as tips for incorporating them into your diet.

Muscadine Preserves Calories

As mentioned earlier, 1 tablespoon (15 g) of muscadine preserves contains 40 calories. This is significantly less than other sweet spreads, such as honey or maple syrup, which can contain up to double the amount of calories per tablespoon. If you are looking to reduce your overall calorie intake, muscadine preserves can be a great option for adding a touch of sweetness to your meals and snacks without adding too many extra calories.

Sugar Content of Muscadine Preserves

Like all sweet spreads, muscadine preserves do contain some sugar. However, they are typically lower in sugar than other fruit preserves and jams. One tablespoon (15 g) of muscadine preserves contains around 10 g of total sugars, which is roughly equivalent to the amount of sugar found in a small piece of fruit. If you are watching your sugar intake, be sure to read the labels and choose muscadine preserves that are made with minimal added sugars.

Carbohydrate Content of Muscadine Preserves

Muscadine preserves are primarily made up of carbohydrates, with each tablespoon (15 g) containing around 10 g of total carbs. These carbs come from both natural sugars in the fruit as well as added sugars, depending on the brand and recipe. If you are following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, muscadine preserves may not be the best choice for you.

Muscadine Preserves Fat Content

Muscadine preserves are virtually fat-free, with less than 0.5 g of total fat per tablespoon (15 g). If you are looking for a low-fat option for adding flavor and sweetness to your meals, muscadine preserves can be a great choice.

Protein Content of Muscadine Preserves

Muscadine preserves are not a significant source of protein, with less than 0.5 g of protein per tablespoon (15 g). If you are looking to increase your protein intake, muscadine preserves are not the best choice. Instead, try adding a scoop of protein powder to your smoothies or yogurt for a quick and easy protein boost.

Vitamin and Mineral Content of Muscadine Preserves

Muscadine preserves are a good source of several key vitamins and minerals. One tablespoon (15 g) contains around 10% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) for vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that supports immune function and healthy skin. They are also a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and helps keep your heart and muscles working properly. In addition, muscadine preserves are a good source of iron, which helps transport oxygen throughout the body, and calcium, which is important for strong bones and teeth.

Muscadine Preserves Antioxidant Properties

Muscadine grapes are a rich source of flavonoids, a type of antioxidant that may help reduce inflammation in the body and protect against chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. While the specific antioxidant content of muscadine preserves may vary depending on the brand and recipe, choosing a high-quality product made with whole fruit is likely to offer the greatest potential health benefits. If you are looking to maximize your antioxidant intake, consider pairing muscadine preserves with other antioxidant-rich foods like berries, dark chocolate, and colorful fruits and vegetables.

Health Benefits of Muscadine Preserves

In addition to their antioxidant properties, muscadine preserves may offer several potential health benefits. Due to their high vitamin C content, they may help boost immune function and promote healthy skin. They may also support heart health by helping to regulate blood pressure and protect against oxidative damage to the cardiovascular system.

Ways to Enjoy Muscadine Preserves

Muscadine preserves can be used in a variety of ways to add flavor and sweetness to your meals and snacks. Try spreading them on toast or muffins, stirring them into oatmeal or yogurt, or using them as a topping for pancakes or waffles. They can also be used in baked goods like cookies and cakes or added to sauces and marinades for extra flavor.

How to Store Muscadine Preserves

To ensure the longest shelf life for your muscadine preserves, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for several months if properly stored. If you have homemade muscadine preserves, be sure to follow safe canning practices to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth. Always check for signs of mold, discoloration, or an off odor before consuming preserved foods.