South Africa, Greece, Turkey, Argentina, Chile & U.S.
Background:
Raisins:
The majority of cultivated grapes from which all types of raisins
are produced belong to the Vitis vinifera species, domesticated
more than 5000 years ago in the Middle East. Raisins were introduced
into Europe in the 11th century when knights from the Crusades returned
home. From Europe, explorers and missionaries introduced the cultivation
of grapes to the southern hemisphere and the New World. Grapes commonly
used for drying are table grapes, which have a more tender skin,
rich flavor and high sugar content. Sultana and Thompson Seedless
are among the most commonly marketed varieties.
Currants:
True black currants derive from the genus Ribes, native to high
latitudes of the northern hemisphere. Europe, Asia and North America
all have native species, from which production spread to South Africa.
The name currant is likely a corruption of “Corinth”,
the Greek city which shipped small dried raisins throughout Europe
on a large scale over 2,000 years ago. Although a misnomer, the
name stuck. Disease, adaptation problems and a federal ban on cultivation
imposed in the early 1900’s restricted production of true
black currants in the U.S. In their stead, producers adopted cultivation
of Zante “currants”, actually tiny black seedless grapes.
Commercial production of true currants today exists only in Greece
and South Africa.
Description:
Raisins and currants are harvested by either hand or mechanical
means, depending upon the origin. Drying is achieved either by sun
directly in the vineyards (South Africa, Argentina, Chile, Greece),
or tunnel drying (U.S.). For raisins, the fruit changes color from
green to dark brown (Thompsons) or black (flames). Golden raisins
are obtained by treating Thompson or Sultana grapes with sulfur
dioxide before drying to conserve their light color. As a result
of sun-drying, South African Golden Raisins are among the world’s
finest, displaying a bright golden color, lower moisture content
and less sulfur dioxide than other sources. Natural Goldens are
produced from sultana raisins, but without the application of sulfur
dioxide. Bedemco supplies a full range of vine fruits in a variety
of sizes and moisture levels to meet the diverse needs of the bakery,
confectionery, manufacturing, packing and food service industries.
Raisins and currants have long enjoyed a variety of applications
as snacks, prominent ingredients in mixes, sauces and condiments,
and in a wide variety of baked goods and confections. Raisins are
a good source of phytochemicals, while currants offer a high content
of vitamin C and contain bioflavanoids which aid in the reduction
of blood pressure.
Harvest:
In the southern hemisphere (Argentina, Chile and South Africa),
fruit is harvested in February – March, with new crop product
coming to market in late April or May. Greece, Turkey and the U.S.
harvest crops in late August and September, with availability in
the early fall.
Origin: