Dried grapes make raisins. Raisins are high in calories and low in nutrients because the drying process concentrates the carbohydrates and nutrients in grapes. Before arriving in Europe, raisins were first popularized in the Middle East, where they gained particular popularity among the Greeks and Romans. In the past, raisins have been used to heal illnesses like food poisoning, as well as to serve as money and trophies in sports. Nowadays, most supermarkets carry raisins. A large range of grape varieties can be used to make them. Raisins made from different grapes have distinct flavors and textures. Raisins can also be dried using various techniques. Raisins that have been naturally dried in the sun have a dark hue. It takes them roughly three weeks to dry entirely. Additionally, they can be dried at home. Different titles may apply to raisins produced from different grape varieties or drying techniques. Three varieties of dried grapes are available: raisins, sultanas, and currants. Even though they are very similar, they are all distinct from one another. Sultanas are sometimes referred to as golden raisins. Most of the time, these medium-sized green grapes are cultivated in California. The grapes go through a different drying process to produce sultanas. Initially, they are submerged in a sulfur dioxide mixture to prevent them from becoming discolored. They are then run through huge dehydrators rather than being allowed to dry naturally. Compared to a few weeks for natural raisins, they dry in a matter of hours.
