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The Difference Between Raisins And Sultanas

Many foods have different names depending on the region. However, the difference between raisins and sultanas consists of basic characteristics.

All raisins?

Every sultana is a raisin, but not the other way around. Because the expression raisin is common for all dried grapes. In addition, the real raisins come from a specific grape variety, which has characteristics that are different from the grapes of the sultana.

Characteristics of raisins:

  • dark color
  • made from dark red or blue grapes
  • come mainly from Spain, Greece, and Turkey
  • slightly tart than sultanas

Characteristics of sultanas:

  • yellow to golden color
  • made from green grapes (Sultana variety).
  • this is seedless and has a thin shell
  • come mainly from California, Australia, South Africa or Turkey
  • softer consistency
  • honeyed

Tip: Connoisseurs can tell the different varieties apart by their taste. In terms of nutrients, however, both dried fruits do not show any difference.

Different drying

The biggest difference between raisins and sultanas is how they are dried. To give sultanas their unmistakable, almost graceful golden shimmer, producers dip the grapes. During this process, they spray the harvest with potash and olive oil. The natural treatment agents ensure that the outer shell detaches and the inner membrane becomes permeable to water. Thus, sultanas only need three to five days to dry.

Raisins, on the other hand, dry in direct sunlight for several weeks. Since this process is significantly less complex, they are available at lower prices.

However, don’t be surprised if sunflower oil appears in the list of ingredients in your raisins. The oil only serves as a separating agent so that the dried fruit does not stick together.

Note: Regardless of the dipping, many manufacturers sulphurize the grapes. The use of the additive serves neither the shelf life nor does it emphasize the taste. Only the color of the dried fruit appears more appetizing. We advise you to use organic raisins, as sulfur can cause allergies and is generally unhealthy.

And currants?

Another subspecies of the raisin is the current. These are dried grapes of the Korinthiaki variety from Greece. The grapes are clearly recognizable by their dark blue color and small size. In addition, they taste very intense and come untreated on the market.

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Written by John Myers

Professional Chef with 25 years of industry experience at the highest levels. Restaurant owner. Beverage Director with experience creating world-class nationally recognized cocktail programs. Food writer with a distinctive Chef-driven voice and point of view.

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