As of: February 18, 2024, 10:30 a.m
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Dried grapes come in different variations.
But how can you tell the difference between raisins, sultanas and currants?
Whether as a muesli topping, in pastries or simply as a snack: dried grapes - also known as raisins, sultanas and currants - are very popular.
But what is actually the difference between these three names?
Raisins: The classic dried fruit
Raisins are one of the best-known dried fruits and are used in numerous recipes such as yeast plaits or apple pie.
In fact, it is a generic term for all types of dried grapes, but also for a specific type of grape.
Their dark brown color is typical of raisins.
This occurs because the fruits are dried outside in the sun or in the shade for more than a week.
This reduces the moisture content to 15 to 18 percent.
Meanwhile, the fructose content increases: While 100 grams of grapes contain around 17 grams of fructose, the same amount of raisins contains 30 grams. This is why raisins taste so sweet.
According to
Dr.
Oetker
doesn't require much effort, which is why raisins are relatively cheap.
For one kilo of raisins you need around four to five kilos of grapes.
Raisins, sultanas and currants look related and can be used in similar dishes.
All three are dried grapes.
© Panthermedia/Imago
Sultanas: Lighter in color and sweeter in taste than raisins
Sultanas are a type of raisin obtained from the light-colored and seedless Sultana grape variety.
Its characteristic color is light brown to golden yellow.
In contrast to raisins, they are pre-treated or “dipped” before drying.
In this process, the white grapes are finely sprayed with a solution of potash and olive oil.
This causes the outer skin of the grape to loosen while the inner skin becomes permeable to water.
The process causes the fruits to dry within three to five days.
Sultanas are therefore softer and sweeter than raisins.
Its taste is often compared to honey.
Because of their thin skin, sultanas are more delicate and susceptible to mold than raisins.
For this reason, some manufacturers decide to sulphurize the dried fruits.
This means they last longer and do not lose their typical bright color so quickly.
Some people are sensitive to sulfur.
According to the
AOK,
symptoms such as headaches, nausea or diarrhea can then occur.
The health insurance company therefore recommends washing off sulphurized dried fruit with hot water.
However, the sulphuration must be stated on the packaging.
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Currants: The small but fine grape
Small and dark: these are currants.
The dried fruits are made from the Korinthiaki grape variety, also known as black currant.
The purple-black grapes mainly come from near the Greek port city of Corinth - which is where the name comes from.
Currants are immediately recognizable by their striking purple-black color.
Their taste is stronger than that of sultanas and is tart and sour.
They are usually sold unsulfured.
However, they are less common in the supermarket than raisins and sultanas.
Raisins, sultanas, currants: Use in the kitchen
How are raisins, sultanas and currants used in the kitchen?
Due to their natural sweetness, sultanas go well with salty dishes.
The grape provides an exotic highlight in couscous as well as rice and lentil dishes.
Just give it a try!
According to the food portal
Eat Club,
the slightly sour currants go well with homemade chocolate or caramel.
Here they provide more fruitiness and acidity.
But sweet dishes such as Gugelhupf or panettone also get that certain something thanks to the currants.
Raisins are particularly popular when baking - especially with yeast.
According to
Dr.
Oetker,
sultanas can easily be used instead: the processing is identical.
By refining desserts with grapes, you can practically save on industrial sugar.
Ultimately, it is primarily a matter of personal taste as to which dried fruit is preferred.
By the way, all three are healthy.
Compared to fresh grapes, dried grapes contain up to four times more fiber, vitamins and minerals.
They also score points with lots of fiber and potassium.
Unsulfured sultanas contain valuable B vitamins, while currants provide magnesium, zinc and calcium.
Please note, however, that dried fruits contain relatively high amounts of sugar and calories.
Therefore they should only be consumed in moderate quantities.