Black Hamburg
(Vinifera)
Black Hamburg (Plate VI) is an old European sort, long the mainstay in
forcing-houses in Belgium, England and America and now popular out of
doors in California. It is an excellent table-grape but, while it
keeps well, its tender skin does not permit its being shipped far,
especially when grown out of doors. The vine is subject to disease.
The following description of the fruit is made from grapes grown in
the greenhouse:
Bunches very large, often a foot in length and weighing several
pounds; very broad at the shoulder and gradually tapering to a
point; compact, oftentimes too compact; berries very large, round
or slightly round-oval; skin rather thick; dark purple becoming
black at full maturity; flesh firm, juicy, sweet and rich; quality
very good or best. Season early in the forcing-house but rather
late out of doors.