Raisins
RAISINS are dried fruit of certain varieties of grape. Raisin grapes were grown as early as 2000 bc in Persia and Egypt, probably sometime during the period 1110–1070 bc. Early Greeks and Romans adorned places of worship with raisins, and they were awarded as prizes in sporting events. Until the 20th century the chief raisin producers were Turkey, Iran, and Greece; by mid-century the United States had taken the lead in production, with Australia ranking second. The U.S. raisin industry is located entirely in California, where the first raisin grapes were planted in 1851.
Raisins are simply dried sweet grapes, of course. Until medieval times, raisins were the second in choice as a sweetener, honey being the top choice. At one time in ancient Rome, raisins were considered so valuable that two jars could buy a slave. In the 13th century, Damascus had quite a reputation for their sweet raisins.
Raisins have been around as long as grapes have been growing. We’re all familiar with cakes, cookies, and sweet breads bursting with juicy raisins and most have childhood memories of getting a burst of energy from snacking on plump raisins out of hand. Did you know raisins are also wonderful in savory foods? Before trying one of the many raisin recipes (linked below), learn a little bit more about different raisins and which ones to choose for your recipes.
Raisins are irreplaceable as a healthy member of the dry fruits category. These golden, green or black delicacies are favorites of almost everyone, particularly children. Raisins are widely used in cultural cooking around the world (especially in desserts), and are also added to health tonics, snacks and compact, high-energy food supplements for mountaineers, backpackers, and campers.
Raisins are obtained by drying grapes, either in the sun or in driers, which turns the grapes into golden, green or black gems. In fact, when their nutritional values and health benefits are considered, “gems” is a rather accurate name for them.
Golden Raisins
Golden Raisins they are made using sulfur fumigation process and shade dried so they are golden amber in color with a naturally sweet and fruity flavor. This popular kind is produced from grapes with special natural characteristics and particular sugar level. These characteristics are merely available in grapes grown in Bonab area and this city is the only and best producer of this kind of raisins in Iran. After being double washed, golden raisins are dried, coated with vegetable oil, stemmed, mechanically cleaned, laser and hand sorted then metal detected under extreme care of hygienic conditions and with legal and safety requirements and the customers special specifications.
Sultana Raisin
Sultana raisins are Light to dark brown in color. They are dried in special drying plants and Due to their very high sugar content, sultanas are very sweet and similar in flavor to honey. Sultanas can be treated with sulfur in order to gain a light brown color but the most popular one is the dark brown sultana which does not contain any sulfur and is used widely in bread industry, cake- and pastry ¬bakeries, cereal producers, and the dairy industry. After being double washed, sultana raisins are dried, coated with vegetable oil, stemmed, mechanically cleaned, laser and hand sorted then metal detected under extreme care of hygienic conditions and with legal and safety requirements and the customers special specifications.
Sun Dried Raisins
Sun-dried raisins are seedless grapes dried in direct sunlight and as a result they are typically dark-brown in color. This kind is treated without any additive and is high in sugar level. Sun drying is seen as a natural way to produce raisins that not only gives them a particular intense flavor but also maintains the delicate balance of nutrients of the original grape fruit. Like other types, sun dried raisins are dried, coated with vegetable oil, stemmed, mechanically cleaned, laser and hand sorted then metal detected under extreme care of hygienic conditions and with legal and safety requirements and the customers special specifications.
Kashmari Raisin
Kashmar raisins, also known as long raisins are produced from seedless grapes that are local Iranian type. This kind is famous for its special sweet and sour taste and its long length shape. Long raisin like golden raisins are made using sulfur fumigation process and shade dried so they are golden amber in color. This type is popular for those who dislike the extreme sweat flavor of other raisins types. Like other types, kashmar raisins are dried, coated with vegetable oil, stemmed, mechanically cleaned, laser and hand sorted then metal detected under extreme care of hygienic conditions and with legal and safety requirements and the customers special specifications.
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