Raisin

Raisins

Raisins are dried grapes. They are produced in many regions of the world, such as the United States, Australia, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Togo, Jamaica, South Africa, Southern and Eastern Europe. Raisins may be eaten raw or used in cooking and baking.

Etymology

The word raisin dates back to Middle English and is a loanword from Old French; in Old French and French, raisin means "grape", while a raisin in French is called a raisin sec, a "dry grape". The Old French word in turn developed from Latin racemus, "a bunch of grapes". The origin of the Latin word is unclear.

Varieties

Template:Seealso Raisin varieties depend on the type of grape used. Seedless varieties include Thompson Seedless (Sultana) and Flame. Raisins are typically sun-dried, but may also be "water-dipped", or dehydrated. "Golden raisins" are made from Thompsons, treated with Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) , and flame dried to give them their characteristic color. A particular variety of seedless grape, the Black Corinth, is also sun dried to produce Zante currants, mini raisins that are much darker in color and have a tart, tangy flavour. Several varieties of raisins are produced in Asia and are only available at ethnic grocers. Green raisins are produced in Iran. Raisins have a variety of colors (green, black, white) and sizes. Raisins are also produced in India.

Nutritional value

Raisins are about 60% sugars by weight, most of which is fructose. Raisins are also high in antioxidants, and are comparable to prunes and apricots in this regard.

Sweetness

The natural sugar in raisins crystallizes during the drying process

Raisins are sweet due to their high concentration of sugars. If they are stored for a long period, the sugar inside the fruit crystallizes. This makes the fruit gritty, but does not affect its usability. To de-crystalize raisins, they can be soaked in liquid (alcohol, fruit juice, or boiling water) for a short period, dissolving the sugar.

The Victorian parlour game called Snap-dragon involved raisins being plucked from a bowl of burning brandy.

See also

• Blackcurrant
• Zante currant
• Redcurrant
• Sultana
• Grape and raisin toxicity in dogs
• Raisin Bran

References

• Template:Cite conference

External links

• "Raisins". Cooking.com. Retrieved on 2005-07-14.
• "Varietal & Nutritional Info". Raisins.org. Retrieved on 2007-04-19.
• The World's Healthiest Foods: Raisins