How do they dry grapes to make raisins?

1. Harvesting: Grapes are picked at their peak ripeness, usually when they have a high sugar content.

2. Sorting and Cleaning: The grapes are sorted to remove any damaged or unripe ones. They are then cleaned to remove dirt and debris.

3. Drying Methods: There are several methods used to dry grapes:

* Sun Drying: The most traditional method involves spreading the grapes out on trays or racks in the sun. This method takes several days, and the grapes need to be protected from rain and pests.

* Mechanical Drying: Grapes are placed in large dryers, which use heated air to remove moisture. This method is faster and more controlled than sun drying.

* Artificial Drying: Some raisins are produced using a combination of sun drying and artificial heat.

4. Processing: Once the grapes are sufficiently dried, they are processed to remove stems and seeds. They may also be treated with sulfur dioxide to prevent spoilage.

5. Sorting and Packaging: The raisins are then sorted by size and color, and packaged for sale.

Types of Raisins:

* Golden raisins: Made from golden Thompson seedless grapes, these are the most common type of raisin.

* Sultanas: Made from Thompson seedless grapes, but they are slightly smaller and have a more intense flavor than golden raisins.

* Black Currants: Dried black currants are not technically raisins, but they are often included in raisin mixes.

Interesting Facts:

* The oldest known raisins date back to around 2000 BC, discovered in ancient Egyptian tombs.

* California is the largest producer of raisins in the world.

* Raisins are a good source of fiber, iron, and potassium.

Let me know if you have any other questions!