Raisins

Raisins are simply dried grapes. The drying process usually takes about three weeks in total. As they dry raisins shrink and darken in colour. Usually, they are made with seedless grapes so they make perfect snacks for young children. Raisins are packed with nutrients and natural sugars making them a slightly healthier alternative to chocolate in sweet treats like cookies.

The size, taste and colour depending on the type of grape used. They can range from golden to purple to black in colour.

Raisins nutritional information and benefits

Raisins are a good source of energy, fibre, protein, and carbohydrates. They are high in natural sugar but they are low on the glycemic index. There are about 299 calories per 100g or raisins. Raisins also contain potassium, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, and they contain zero cholesterol to boot!

Not to mention vitamins and minerals such as thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, iron, and zinc.

Raisins, currents or sultanas

• Sultanas are typically coated in oil before drying, this is to speed up the process, They usually have a much lighter colour than raisins.
• Currants are made by drying a small variety of grape called “Black Corinth” and “Carina.”

Using raisins as an ingredient

Raisins can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. They are used frequently in Middle Eastern foods like Moroccan style stews or mixed with pine nuts and spices in couscous.

You can use raisins in cakes, bread and other baked goods like brownies.

Some kinds of raisins are also used in making wine! Its named straw wine and it is made by drying grapes on larger straw mats in the sun. Because the grapes have been concentrated before the final product has a very sweet intense favour.