This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 137.111.13.34 (talk) at 06:20, 1 February 2005. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 06:20, 1 February 2005 by 137.111.13.34 (talk)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Alternate uses: Raisin (disambiguation)
A Raisin is a sun-dried or artificially dried grape, used in cooking and baking. Raisins are extremely sweet due to their high sugar content, and if they are stored for a long period the sugar crystallises inside the fruit. This makes the fruit gritty, but does not affect the usability. To decrystalise raisins, they can be soaked in liquid (alcohol, fruit juice or boiling water) for a short period, dissolving the sugar.
In the USA, the term 'raisin' refers to any form of dried grape. California raisins, both the sun-dried dark naturals and the goldens, are made by drying Thompson Seedless Grapes. Goldens are flame dried. Another variety of seedless grape, the Black Corinth, is also sun dried to produce Zante Currants, a mini raisin that is much darker in color and has a tart tangy flavor. In Australia and other countries specific varieties are given separate names - see sultana, currant. In particular, in Australia raisins are largest, sultanas are intermediate while currants are smallest.