Raisins

Dark California Raisins

Dried grapes are known as raisins in many regions of the world. They are eaten raw or used in cooking, baking, and brewing.

In the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia, the word "raisin" is reserved for the dark-colored dried large grape. "Sultana" is a golden-colored dried grape and "Currant" refers to a dried small Black Corinth seedless grape.

The word "raisin" derives from the Latin word racemus, meaning "a bunch of grapes."  In modern French, raisin means "grape", while a dried grape is a raisin sec (dried grape). 

Nutrition

Raisins are naturally sweet, high in sugar content and calories. They are a good source of dietary fiber, iron, calcium and boron. And, they are an exceptional source of the naturally occurring chemicals called phytonutrients (phenols and polyphenols) which are considered antioxidants, and antimicrobial compounds that promote healthy teeth and gums.