They’re made by drying grapes in the sun or a dehydrator, concentrating the sugars and resulting in a sweeter treat compared to fresh grapes. But don’t be fooled by their sweetness, raisins offer a nutritional punch containing fiber, vitamins, and minerals like iron, calcium, and boron. Additionally, they’re loaded with antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage.

The world of raisins offers a variety to explore:

• Black Raisins: The most common type, made from dark grapes with a robust, sweet flavor.
• Golden Raisins: Green grapes treated with sulfur dioxide for color preservation, resulting in a milder taste compared to black raisins.
• Thompson Seedless Raisins: Tiny, seedless, and golden yellow, often used in baking.
• Zante Currants: Small, black raisins with a sharp, tart flavor, made from a specific Greek grape variety.

Raisins are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them straight from the box for a quick snack, add them to trail mix, oatmeal, or yogurt for a delightful textural and flavor boost. They shine in baking, adding sweetness and chew to cookies, cakes, and breads.