Raison d’etre

A whole bunch of raisins!

Once upon a time there was a bunch of grapes. They spent way too long in the sun and ended up as raisins. Did you know? Raisins are just dried grapes. They are produced in many regions of the world. You can eat raisins raw or use them in cooking, baking and brewing.

Raisins are usually dried in the sun. But they can also be dipped in water or put into driers that suck the air out of them. “Golden raisins” are Sultanas, which are a type of white grape. They’re treated with a gas called sulfur dioxide, and dried under a flame to give them their lovely yellow color.

Kids like raisins because they are naturally sweet. Yet they fight the  bacteria in the mouth that make holes in your teeth!

Use raisins with whole grain cereals for added goodness. Throw them into a mix with nuts and seeds and other dried fruit for a wholesome snack. Or eat them by the handful, all by themselves.

Keep reading for everything you ever wanted to know about the amazing raisin, a good “reason to be”… healthy!

All about raisins

• Raisins come in a rainbow of colors,  including green, black, blue, purple, and yellow.

• Seedless varieties include the Sultana (also known as Thompson Seedless in the USA) and Flame grapes.

• Currants are miniature raisins that are dark in color (nearly black) and have a tart, tangy flavor.

• Several varieties of raisins are produced in Asia and, in the West, are only available at ethnic specialty grocers. Check them out! Green raisins are produced in Iran.

•  In the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada the word “raisin” is reserved for the dried large dark grape, with “sultana” being a dried large white grape, and “currant” being a dried small Black Corinth grape.

• Raisins range from about 67% to 72% sugars by weight, most of which is fructose and glucose.

• They also contain about 3% protein and 3.5% dietary fiber.

•  Raisins, like prunes and apricots, are also high in certain antioxidants, but have a lower vitamin C content than fresh grapes.

• Raisins are low in sodium and contain no cholesterol.

• New research has shown, despite having a high concentration of sugars, raisins fight bacteria in the mouth that cause cavities and gum disease.

Eat raisins and live happily ever after! The end.

Credits: Photo is courtesy of Foodimentary!