Raisins, also known as kismis, are a delicious and nutritious snack that can be consumed as part of a healthy diet. The increased demand for raisins in recent years has given rise to different variety of raisins in the Indian market. They are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, colours, and flavours.
So how do you know which type to choose?
In this post, I will give you a quick rundown of the six most common types of raisins found in grocery stores, so you’ll be better prepared the next time you go shopping for your favourite snacks.
Also read: 6 Benefits of raisins for skin you didn’t know
How are raisins made?
The global raisin industry is worth more than $2 billion, with Turkey being the world’s leading producer of raisins.
Raisin production begins with grapes.
When grapes are dried, they become raisins.
Grapes are big and juicy because they have lots of water in them. However, they lose their water content when we dry them out and shrink into raisins.
When green grapes are dried naturally in the sun, purple raisins form. People who make these raisins put grapes under the sun for about three weeks.
Whereas when the same green grapes become golden raisins when dehydrated in a dehydrator. These are often treated with sulfur dioxide to increase their life.
The three most common methods for drying grapes are sun drying, shade drying, and mechanical drying.
6 Different types of raisins
Munakka
Munakka is a big golden-colored raisins variety made from green seeded grapes. It is primarily sold and consumed in India, where it is commonly used to prepare Ayurvedic medicines such as Chawanprash.
In addition to being a tasty snack, it is a good source of dietary fibre, protein, iron, and potassium.
Benefits of Munakka:
- Helpful in managing constipation
- It has a cooling property
- Effective for treating dry cough
- Maintain blood pressure levels
- Helpful in increasing libido
How much to eat?
Consume 5-6 munakka per day to get the most benefits. It can also be added to breakfast or used in various recipes.
Also read: Munakka Benefits: 9 Ways It Can Boost Your Health
Sultanas
The sultana is a sweet-tasting dried grape with a brownish-gold colour produced from Thompson Seedless grapes in California, Australia, Chile, and Turkey.
This raisin variety was developed in Turkey and is still grown and dried today.
These are often called golden raisins in some countries like the USA. Sultanas are sweeter, juicer, and lighter in colour than raisins and currants, and they are typically larger.
Benefits of Sultana
- Improve digestion
- Manage blood sugar levels
- Strengthen bones
- Help in weight management
Zante currant
Zante currant is the dried version of Corinth grapes grown on the Greek island of Zakynthos. These are reddish-brown and called currants because they grow in small clusters.
They are sometimes referred to simply as currants.
They are a great source of dietary fibre, protein, iron and Vitamin C. The high level of antioxidants found in Zante currant can help prevent cancer and other degenerative diseases.
Zante currants are sweet and tangy and have a slightly crisp texture. They’re a healthier alternative to regular raisins, and perfect for baking, cookies, cakes, and jams.
Benefits of zante currant:
- Promote healthy digestion
- Good source of antioxidants
- Boost your immune system
- Help in managing cholesterol levels
How much to eat?
Consume 6-7 zante currants on a daily basis. You can also eat jams made from currant with bread or chapati if you want.
Red raisins
Red raisins are large, red, crunchy, seedless, and high-quality products made from flame grapes, which is why they’re also called flame raisins.
These raisins are sun-dried to achieve maximum sweetness and deep reddish colour. Red raisins are popular in desserts, ice creams, snacks, and puddings and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Furthermore, they can be tossed into salads and baked as well.
Benefits of red raisins:
- Aid in digestion
- Good for eyesight
- Good for your heart
- Helpful in limiting the spread of cancer cells
How much to eat?
Consume 5-6 red raisins with your breakfast on a daily basis. These can also be used to flavour a variety of recipes.
Green raisins
Green Raisins are light green raisins made from green seedless grapes that have been dried in the sun or the shade.
These are a good source of natural sugars, iron and B vitamins. In India, these raisins are usually used to prepare jellies, jams, and cakes.
Moreover, these are also used in some dishes and curries to add a sweet flavour.
Benefits of green raisins:
- Promote healthy digestion
- Good for your heart
How much to eat?
10-12 pieces of green raisins should be consumed on a regular basis. Diabetic patients, on the other hand, should not consume more than 4-5 pieces per day.
Black raisins
Black raisins, also known as kali drakh in the dry fruit industry, are another well-known types of raisins. These are high in antioxidants, fibre, iron, potassium and other vitamins and minerals.
Because these raisins are naturally sweet, they don’t need any added sugars or preservatives to make them sweeter, which is why they’re commonly used in chocolate and baking products.
Benefits of black raisins:
- Prevent premature aging
- Fight against bad cholesterol
- Prevent anemia
- Manage blood pressure levels
How much to eat?
Consume 5-6 black raisins regularly. Some black raisins are seeded, while others are seedless. However, these seeds are edible and high in antioxidants.
Final words
Finally, munakka, sultanas, zante currant, red raisins, green raisins, and black raisins are the most common types of raisins.
While all these raisins may seem the same, they are actually quite different in terms of their texture, size and taste and you can easily buy them from your local grocery store.
So, next time you go shopping for raisins, check to see if you have any of these six types to try.
