Cyprus can lay claim to being the oldest commercial grape producing country in the world! Recently excavated old coins from an archaeological site in Paphos dating back to 3rd century BC, depict a vine embossed on one side of the coin. This finding illustrates clearly the importance of vine in the daily life of Cyprus at that time.

Mellona’s grape must is produced from superior quality red grapes ideally still on the bunch. Firstly, the grapes are placed in a big basin where they get crushed. Then, the crushed grapes pass through a fine filter and they end up in a pot. The pot is set on a fire where it is left for many hours for the must to boil until it reduces to the consistency of syrup. Then, it is left to cool and subsequently, it is bottled. Nothing else is added, not even preservatives as it keeps indefinitely. Petimezi is produced every September after the harvest, and can be used throughout the year. The method for producing this Cypriot speciality is one of the most ancient known recipes.

Nutritional value

Grapes are true berries and like most berries are packed with healthy nutrients. They contain all the necessary minerals such as calcium, chlorine, copper, fluorine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, silicon and sulphur. Important vitamins such as vitamin A, B1, B2, B6 and C6 are also found in grapes. They contain important antioxidants too, such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, geraniol, linalol, nerol and tannins. Furthermore, grape products are the main dietary source of resveratrol, a mighty phytonutrient. All above nutrients and more can be found in small or big quantities in Mellona’s pure grape must.

Health benefits

Grape must delivers a payload of antioxidants including polyphenols, such as flavonoids and resveratrol. These highly beneficial antioxidants neutralise harmful free radicals. When left to their own devices, these free radicals cause a condition called “oxidative stress” which is now associated with numerous chronic diseases, as well as ageing.

Numerous studies recognise resveratrol as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, with the potential to impact positively a wide variety of health issues, from cancer to Alzheimer’s, increasing this way lifespan.

Grape phytonutrients certainly promote healthy arteries by preventing the oxidation of bad LDL cholesterol, a key contributor to the build-up of plaque in the arteries.

Grapes are brain food. Preliminary studies support that grapes seem to help protect brain health by counteracting oxidative stress and inflammation.

In addition, grape must contains no fat and virtually no salt.