What are Raisins?
Raisins are dried seedless grapes. During the drying process, grapes shrivel and shrink into raisins. A raisin is typically small, oblong, and dark-colored with wrinkled skin and a chewy texture. While most of the raisins we eat are made from green grapes, raisins are also made out of other grapes. We usually eat brown raisins, but other types of raisins include golden-colored raisins, or sultanas, and black raisins.
What Do Raisins Taste Like?
Raisins taste slightly different depending on the variety. Both brown and golden raisins taste sweet, but golden raisins taste sweeter than brown raisins. Raisins may have a slight tartness to them.
How Do You Eat Raisins?
Many people enjoy eating raisins straight out of their packaging. Common ways to eat raisins include on their own, topped over salads, and combined into trail mix. Brown raisins offer a chewy component to classic oatmeal raisin cookies. Raisins often round out baked dishes, such as cinnamon rolls and different breads. You might find raisins in carrot cake, scones, and rice pudding. Some people enjoy their raisins covered in chocolate. In savory dishes, add raisins to rice, serve them alongside chicken dishes, stir them into stuffings, and toss them into roasted vegetable mixtures.
Where Can You Buy Raisins?
Look for brown raisins in the dried fruits and nuts aisle of the grocery store. Raisins may also be found in the snack food section.
How Do You Store Raisins?
Store raisins in a sealed container in a cool, dry place. Once opened, store raisins in a sealed, airtight container. For longer storage, place raisins in the refrigerator.
Fun Facts About Raisins
The colors of the raisin depend on the drying process.
Did You Know?
California grows around half of the world’s supply of raisins every year.
Recipes Using Raisins
Our Kids Are Great Cooks Oatmeal Cookies Video Cooking Lesson uses raisins.
Cinnamon Rolls
Toss sweet brown raisins into your next batch of cinnamon rolls. Prepare the dough as normal and stir in brown raisins. Roll the dough using a rolling pin, spread the cinnamon mixture over the dough, then roll the dough into a log. Slice the dough into equal sized pieces, place in a baking dish, and bake until cooked. Eat them while they’re warm!
Easy Trail Mix
Combine tasty ingredients together to make a delicious trail mix. In a large bowl, mix raisins, dried cherries, roasted peanuts, cashews, and pretzel sticks.
Chocolate Covered Raisins
Make your own chocolate covered raisins. Heat milk or dark chocolate in a saucepan until melted, stirring regularly. Stir in raisins, coat evenly in the chocolate, and spread over a baking sheet to cool and harden.
Rice with Raisins
Jazz up your next rice side dish. Prepare basmati or jasmine rice as directed with turmeric, salt, and other spices. Stir in golden raisins once the liquid evaporates and serve hot.
Easy Tossed Salad
Add new elements to your next tossed salad to create something new. Start with a salad made of leafy greens, sliced apples, red onions, cheddar cheese, and golden raisins. Serve with a creamy vinaigrette.
