When it comes to dried fruits, we find that there are so many terms used in it. Dried grapes also come in this category. But there are different types of dried grapes. Terms such as raisins, sultanas, currants are used and a layperson gets utterly confused with them. These terms cannot be used interchangeably. What are these terms!
Types of dried grapes
Dried grapes are a type of dried fruits that are used in food dishes such as desserts. They are delicious and are of different types. Raisins, sultanas, and currants. These are all forms of dried grapes but they have their own unique characteristics as well.
Raisins are grapes that are dried. The process of drying is a natural one in the sun. It takes around 3 weeks to completely dry up. Due to this, they have a darker color. Different types of grapes are used to make it and they differ in their texture and flavor.
Sultanas are a type of raisin. They are also called golden raisins. They are lighter in color and usually have a yellow color. They are made in the USA from Thompson seedless grapes which are primarily medium sized and from California. But these are not dried naturally. The grapes are first dipped into a solution and then dried in large dehydrators. It takes a few hours only. They are smaller than raisins and have more sweetness in them.
Currants are different from the black currants that are a kind of berries. These currants are raisins that come from a specific type of grapes. These are Black Corinth. The currants are also called Zante currants or Corinth currants. These grapes are small and seedless. The original ones were from the Mediterranean regions. Now Greece is the largest producer. California, South Africa, and Australia also manufacture them. They are dried naturally over weeks. Their size further reduces and they acquire a sweet and tangy taste. They are the smallest variety of raisins.
Health and raisins
Raisins of all types have a lot of fiber in it. This fiber is of the soluble type. Fiber is vital in the diet. It can soften the stools and regulate bowel movements. It bulks up the stool and prevents constipation. Fiber keeps us feeling full for a longer time. This helps in weight maintenance. This helps control blood sugars and also lessens the bad cholesterol. It reduces heart ailments and risk of colorectal cancer.
Additionally, they have high amounts of iron in them. This helps overcome anemia and fatigue. They are rich in calcium too and are good for bones. They have boron in them that is useful for bone and teeth health. Raisins also have copper, potassium, manganese and vitamin B6. These are also loaded with phytonutrients and antioxidants that prevents chronic diseases.
There is no universal forgiveness!
Raisins and recipes
Raisins can be eaten as such raw. You can add it in sweet and savory dishes. You will find it put in snacks as well. Mix it with nuts to get a wonderful anytime eat snack. You can add it to your morning breakfast cereals or oatmeal or yoghurt. Put into the dough of cookies biscuits bread, granola bars, and bake them. Mix it with vegetable salad and fruit salads. You can also add it to lentil and green salad. You can stir fry them and use it for garnish or while sauteeing in curries.
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