When they’re dried, however, they take on that familiar purplish hue. (20 April 2013), Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, "Types of Raisins: Currants, Golden Seedless, and More", "Nutrition Experts & Dietitians » California Raisins – The Wise Choice", "Raisins And Blood Pressure: A Randomized, Controlled Trial", Journal of the American College of Cardiology, "Nuts & Dried Fruits Global Statistical Review 2015 / 2016, p 66", International Programme on Chemical Safety, "Antimicrobial Phytochemicals in Thompson Seedless Raisins (, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Raisin&oldid=998311545, Wikipedia articles needing clarification from February 2018, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 4 January 2021, at 20:27. Most raisins produced in the United States are made from seven different types of grapes: Thompson Seedless (which are also the most popular green grapes for fresh consumption), Flame Seedless, Muscat, Sultana, and Black Corinth. Both tend to be made from the same type of grape, and both are healthy. [12], After the drying process is complete, raisins are sent to processing plants where they are cleaned with water to remove any foreign objects that may have become embedded during the drying process. Raisins are packed with nature’s gifts including all essential minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Raisels are golden raisins made from real ingredients (whole fruit) and contain no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners. The washing process may cause rehydration, so another drying step is completed after washing to ensure that the added moisture has been removed. To learn how to make breakfast oats taste like an oatmeal raisin cookie, click here. Water molecules in the grapes absorb microwave energy resulting in rapid evaporation. The sultanas are made from white seedless grapes. Monukka grapes are used for some of these. Both raisins and sultanas are forms of dried grapes that grow on vines, although they are made using different types of grape varieties. [12] A faster water removal rate decreases the rate of browning and helps to produce more desirable raisins. [12], The three types of drying methods are: sun drying, shade drying, and mechanical drying. [11], Raisins are produced commercially by drying harvested grape berries. Christensen, L.P., and Peacock, W.L. Fruit acids such as folic acid and pantothenic acid, which have been shown to promote growth, are also significant components. Sultanas are a little more complicated than that. What will happen if it gets wet? Do you know how to make sultanas? When they are dried the result is a dark, dried fruit much like a currant, making it dense in texture and bursting with a sweet flavor. 1) Sun-Dried Raisins (Sunshine raisins): Dried seedless grapes in sunshine that is became brown. It is one of the end products of grapes, we can't categorize this under processed but at the same time we can't say it is not processed, so it is considered as a semi processed grape product. By definition, the word “sultana” is another name for the Thompson seedless grape, so it can technically refer to basically any standard raisin, no matter the color. Muscat raisins are large compared to other varieties, and also sweeter. Raisins are simply dried grapes. The Old French word, in turn, developed from the Latin word racemus, "a bunch of grapes".[4]. Instead of being dried in the sun like purple raisins, golden raisins are dried inside industrial dehydrators, and they’re also treated for six to eight hours with sulfur dioxide before drying, which preserves their natural light color. [14], Replacing unhealthy snacks with raisins as a dietary habit has shown positive benefits in patients with type 2 diabetes, including reduced diastolic blood pressure and increased levels of plasma antioxidants. Boron may be important for maintaining healthy bone and joint quality. Global production in 2016 was 1.2 million metric tons, with the US as the top producer contributing 24% of the global harvest. In the US, most raisins, including those with the typical dark brown colour, are made from the sultana grape, the Thompson Seedless. Sultana is a variety of raisins which is known as golden raisins in the United States. [12], Pre-treatment is a necessary step in raisin production to ensure the increased rate of water removal during the drying process. Grapes are laid on brown craft paper trays between the vineyard rows and allowed to dry in the sun when harvested. They are often treated with sulfur dioxide after drying. Black raisins are made by being laid on paper trays and allowed to dry in the sun for several weeks. Apyrena)[2] and Flame grapes. [13] This dip was shown to increase the rate of water loss by two- to three-fold. [12], Mechanical drying can be done in a safer and more controlled environment where rapid drying is guaranteed. Keep grapes as dry as possible during the 'drying' process. The term "sultana" refers to golden-coloured dried grapes, which may also be called "golden raisins" (such as marketed by Sun-Maid , a California -based raisin grape growers' co-op and legacy brand). This is the natural sun-drying process that turns a grape into a raisin. About 95 percent of all raisins in production (including Sun-Maid’s) are made with a variety of grape called the Thompson Seedless, which is a very light green color (other popular raisin grapes include the Selma Pete and Flame, which are light green as well). These methods can encourage water transfer to the outer surface of grapes which helps to increase the efficiency of the drying process. Sun dried or black raisins are seedless grapes dried in direct sunlight and they are available in dark brown color. Raisins are composed of important food elements such as sugars, fruit acids, and mineral salts. I am addicted to learning how things, are made, built, and manufactured. Raisins are produced in many regions of the world and may be eaten raw or used in cooking, baking, and brewing. One type of mechanical drying is to use microwave heating. [8], Data presented at the American College of Cardiology's 61st Annual Scientific Session in 2012 suggest that, among individuals with mild increases in blood pressure, the routine consumption of raisins (three times a day) may significantly lower blood pressure, compared to eating other common snacks. When they’re dried, however, they take on that familiar purplish hue. [16], Antioxidants in Greek raisins may reduce the risk for malignancies in the stomach and colon.[17]. Sultanas are essentially seedless raisins, made from the same type of grapes. As a result they shrivel up and lose a large part of their overall weight. Drying red grapes in the sunshine turns them into raisins. Raisins have one of the highest concentrations of boron in dried food, containing between 2 and 3 mg per 100 grams. Setting aside the fact that these white grapes eventually turn purple once dried, how exactly are they turned back into golden raisins? Several varieties of raisins produced in Asia are available in the West only at ethnic grocers. The most common type of raisins are made from Thompson seedless grapes, which are green. Raisins are low in sodium and contain no cholesterol. About 90% of raisins produced globally are made by drying Thompson Seedless grapes and its clones. Today, most raisins are produced from Thompson seedless grapes. Golden raisins, which are generally yellow in color, are made from green grapes also, and are treated and processed differently to … "Golden raisins" are generally dried in dehydrators with controlled temperature and humidity, which allows them to retain a lighter color and more moisture. [13], The three steps to commercial raisin production include pre-treatment, drying, and post-drying processes. These shriveled, bite-sized morsels of sweetness offer a healthy snack and burst of energy. Raisins are traditionally sun-dried, but they may also be water-dipped and artificially dehydrated. Sulfur dioxide also helps to preserve flavor and prevent the loss of certain vitamins during the drying process. For this reason, they are often lighter in color than currants. Add New Question. [12][further explanation needed] Sun drying is an inexpensive process; however, environmental contamination, insect infections, and microbial deterioration can occur and the resulting raisins are often of low quality. Raisins are the dried and preserved version of grapes. Raisins are dried grapes. Currants, also called Zante currants, are made by drying out Black Corinth grapes, which are purple. Raisins. The sugars provide a good source for carbohydrates. In general, the dry… It also heats up the sugar, causing it to caramelise. In the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia, the word raisin is reserved for the dark-colored dried large grape,[1] with sultana being a golden-colored dried grape, and currant being a dried small Black Corinth seedless[2] grape. These range in color from dark plum to black. This might be a redundant statement but it is what I enjoy. Raisins are typically made by drying out grapes in the sun and then processing them in a plant. After harvesting the grapes are dried to turn them into raisins. What are Raisins? 2) Sultana: Sultanas are made from green seedless grapes. Raisins are essentially dried grapes of the “Vitis vinifera” Natural Seedless varietal type and are typically dried by the sun, whether it is on paper trays or dried on the vine. Raisins are dried grapes, specifically dried white-fleshed grapes. This drying process concentrates both the nutrients and sugars present in grapes, making raisins nutrient and calorie-dense. A raisin is a dried grape. Golden raisins; Each of these types are made from different grapes with different colors and tastes. Seedless varieties include the sultana (the common American type is known as Thompson Seedless in the United States), the Greek currants (black corinthian raisins, Vitis vinifera L. var. It has been shown to disadvantage testosterone synthesis. Few food-related facts are able to truly shock us anymore, but we’ve encountered one that really has us scratching our heads: Not only are golden raisins made from the exact same grapes as standard purple ones — the grapes they’re made with are green! The result is a dark brown, dried fruit that is moist and has a strong flavor. There are a couple of other raisiny terms that you may have heard of, so we’ll tackle those as well: currants and sultanas. [3], The word "raisin" dates back to Middle English and is a loanword from Old French; in modern French, raisin means "grape", while a dried grape is a raisin sec, or "dry grape". For being so small, raisins are a nutrient-dense food. Raisins are traditionally sun-dried, but may also be water-dipped and artificially dehydrated. Dried grapes are otherwise known as raisins. Sultanas are typically coated in an oil-based solution prior to drying to speed up the process. Raisin varieties depend on the type of grape used and are made in a variety of sizes and colors including green, black, brown, blue, purple, and yellow. These types of nutrients are considered antioxidants. The sugars can crystallise inside the fruit when stored after a long period, making the dry raisins gritty, but that does not affect their usability. The heat from the sun causes the water to evaporate from the grapes. Scott Ehardt / WikiMedia Commons. It takes about 4 … [12] However, this diffusion process is very difficult because the grape skin contains wax in its cuticle, which prevents the water from passing through. The caramelised sugar makes the raisins taste sweet. Raisins are often recommended as a snack for weight control because they help the control of glucose, the good functioning of the digestive system and the regulation of blood pressure. [12] Stems and off-grade raisins are also removed. [12] In addition to this, the physical and chemical mechanisms located on the outer layers of the grape are adapted to prevent water loss. The naming of either ‘raisin’ or ‘sultana’ is often interchangeable in Commonwealth countries, with breakfast cereals being called ‘raisin bran’ in the USA and Canada vs ‘sultana bran’ in the UK and Australia. They’re not to be confused with black (or red or white) currants, which are berries that grow on small shrubs. The USDA Will No Longer Refer to Small-Sized Raisins as ‘Midgets’. The oxidation and caramelization of the sugars during this process result in a raisin’s natural dark brown to black exterior. It serve as a nutritious alternative to many of today’s chemically processed foods such as chips and crisps. Sun-dried raisins. [13], Raisins are rich in dietary fiber, carbohydrates with a low glycemic index, and minerals like copper and iron, with a low fat content. Raisins are produced in many regions of the world and may be eaten raw or used in cooking, baking, and brewing. In the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia, the word raisin is reserved for the dark-colored dried large grape, with sultana being a golden-colored dried grape, and currant being a dried small Black Corinth seedless grape. They also contain about 3% protein and 3.7%–6.8% dietary fiber. How are raisins made? Sultanis and sultanas are the names often used to refer to this type of raisins. Most people who use the word sultana, however, use it to refer to golden raisins; the term is especially common in the U.K. and Australia. Shocker: Golden Raisins Are Made From the Same Grape Variety as Purple Ones, Transform Weekend Brunch With 10-Minute Blueberry Syrup. Raisins have a phytochemical known as resveratrol, best known for its cholesterol lowering and anti-cancer qualities.. It is indeed produced from the sultana variety of grape. Black Corinth or Zante currant are miniature, sometimes seedless[2] raisins that are much darker and have a tart, tangy flavor. Advertisement. Raisins are commonly produced in … Raisins are sweet due to their high concentration of sugars (about 30% fructose and 28% glucose by weight). [12] The historical method of completing this process was developed in the Mediterranean and Asia Minor areas by using a dry emulsion cold dip made of potassium carbonate and ethyl esters of fatty acids. The raisins we are most familiar with are made by allowing fully ripened grapes to dry naturally in open air and sunshine—a process that takes several weeks. The main producers of the Moscatel grapes are the … Because the water has evaporated, raisins are smaller and lighter than grapes. The cause of this is not known.[10]. To make yellow raisins, the grapes are dipped in warm water and then coated with sulfur dioxide to make sure they stay golden throughout the drying process. They are treated with no additive and are high in sugar level. Made with nothing but grapes and California sunshine, Sun-Maid Raisins’ timeless and trusted goodness has been a classically delicious snack for kids and grown-up kids alike since 1912. The most common type of raisins which can be made from grapes of any skin color, their final brown to black hue obtained as they dry. According to Sunmaid's website, almost all of their raisins—golden and brown alike—are made from green Thompson Seedless grapes, which is the dominant grape variety grown in California. Sultanas are chiefly produced in Turkey. Here is a brief description of these types: 1- Black raisins . [5], Raisins can contain up to 72% sugars by weight,[6] most of which is fructose and glucose. Raisins have just one ingredient: grapes. These golden raisins come in sour, sweet and spicy varieties. These sugar grains can be dissolved by blanching the fruit in hot water or other liquids. Sultanas are made from “common white grapes” ( Vitis vinifera), a species of Vitis that is native to the Mediterranean region, … There is a possible chance of mold. Community Answer. Raisins are dried white Moscatel grapes. For a grape berry to dry, water inside the grape must be removed completely from the interior of the cells onto the surface of the grape where the water droplets can evaporate. They can be placed on a rack to dry without any preparation (other than washing), but blanching them before dehydration softens the skin, making the grapes more tender and amenable to even drying. A common grape variety used for making raisins are the Thompson seedless. 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