Raisins

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Buying Tips

Look for plump raisins that show no signs of being overly dry or with visible sugar crystals.

Varieties

The most common grapes used for raisins are Thompson seedless, Zante, and Muscat.

Both dark and golden seedless raisins (also called sultanas) are made from Thompson seedless grapes. The dark raisins are sun-dried for several weeks, which produces their dark color and shriveled appearance, whereas golden raisins have been oven-dried to avoid the darkening effect of the sunlight. Like other dried fruits, some golden raisins have been treated with sulfur dioxide to prevent darkening.

The tiny seedless Zante grapes produce the dried currants generally found on grocery store shelves.

Muscat grapes create a large, dark brown, and very fruity-tasting raisin. These raisins are the variety most often used for holiday baking, such as fruitcakes.

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The information presented in the Food Guide is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of US–registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.