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- In Australia, some sultanas are made without the drying solution. These grapes take longer to dry — up to three weeks — and are dark brown in color. They are often referred to as “natural” sultanas. In the US, sultanas are referred to as “golden raisins” or “sultana raisins.”
People also ask
What are natural sultanas?
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Are sultanas the same as raisins?
Natural Source of Energy: Sultanas are a concentrated source of carbohydrates, particularly natural sugars like glucose and fructose. These sugars can provide a quick energy boost, making sultanas a good choice for athletes, hikers, or individuals needing a rapid energy source.
- Overview
- They are different types of dried grapes
- Raisins
- Sultanas
- Currants
- Their nutrient profiles are similar
- They may offer the same health benefits
- They have similar uses in the kitchen
- Which type should you choose?
- The bottom line
Raisins, sultanas, and currants are all popular types of dried grapes. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they’re used in different cuisines worldwide in sweet and savory dishes.
Despite their popularity, there is still a lot of confusion regarding these tasty treats.
Simply put, raisins, sultanas, and currants are all different types of dried grapes.
However, understanding the differences between the three can be confusing, particularly for raisins and sultanas as their definitions vary in different parts of the world.
In the US, the term “raisin” is applied to both raisins and sultanas. To distinguish the two, sultanas are referred to as “golden” raisins.
Internationally, it’s a different story. In most countries, including the UK, raisins and sultanas are differentiated by the type of grape and the processing method used.
The term “currant” also applies to berries of the gooseberry family, such as red currant and black currant.
To avoid confusion, this article will refer to raisins and sultanas according to the international definitions.
Raisins are a type of grape that has been dried for around three weeks. Grapes darken as they dry, which gives raisins their dark brown color.
A range of grape varieties is used to make raisins. The size, taste and color depend on the type of grape used.
In the US, raisins are typically made from the Thompson Seedless variety.
However, in Australia, raisins are made exclusively from larger grape varieties including Muscat, Lexia and Waltham Cross, and are often larger than sultanas for this reason.
Sultanas are made from green seedless grapes, particularly the Thompson Seedless variety.
Unlike raisins, sultanas are typically coated in an oil-based solution prior to drying to speed up the process. For this reason, they are often lighter in color than raisins and currants.
In Australia, some sultanas are made without the drying solution. These grapes take longer to dry — up to three weeks — and are dark brown in color. They are often referred to as “natural” sultanas.
In the US, sultanas are referred to as “golden raisins” or “sultana raisins.” These grapes are treated with a preservative called sulfur dioxide to retain the lighter color of the grape.
Currants, also known as “Zante currants,” are tiny, dried grapes. These are not to be confused with berries like Ribes sativium and Ribes nigrum that are also called “currants” ().
Despite their name, Zante currants are actually made by drying a variety of small, seedless grapes called “Black Corinth” and “Carina.”
Currants are dried for up to three weeks.
Due to their small size, they have a sweet, tangy and intense flavor and add texture and sweetness to both sweet and savory dishes.
Summary
Raisins, sultanas and currants are all types of dried grapes. Raisins and sultanas are soft, sweet and juicy, while currants have an intense, sweet and tangy taste. Raisins are typically the largest of the three.
Raisins, sultanas and currants are highly nutritious.
This is due to the drying process, which reduces the water content from 80% to 16% (2, 3).
The grapes shrink during this process, leaving a small, nutrient-dense dried fruit.
The chart below compares the nutritional differences between 100 grams of raisins, sultanas and currants (4, 5, 6).
As you can see, the variations between the three are slight. All are high in natural sugar, containing around 60–75% sugar.
They are also packed with fiber and potassium and are a great source of plant compounds including powerful antioxidants (7).
Raisins, sultanas and currants benefit your health in a number of ways.
All three are a great source of antioxidants, including polyphenols (7).
Antioxidants help protect cells from the harmful damage that can be caused by free radicals and oxidative stress, which contribute to inflammation and many diseases, including cancer (8, 9).
What’s more, raisins, sultanas and currants are rich in fiber. Just one ounce (28 grams) contains between 1–2 grams of fiber, which is 4–8% of your daily requirement.
Studies suggest that a diet high in fiber-rich fruits and vegetables may help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes (10, 11, 12).
Studies also show that eating raisins may (13, 14, 15, 16):
Raisins, sultanas and currants are all incredibly versatile and can be eaten alone, as a snack or added to rice dishes, stews, salads, oatmeal and baked goods.
Despite their slight differences in size and taste, each can be used in many of the same recipes and can be easily substituted for one another.
Here are some ideas for how to incorporate them into your diet:
•Add to a cheese platter: Dried grapes make a gourmet addition to a cheese platter. As the largest of the three, raisins work best and pair nicely with creamy brie, nuts and crackers.
•Eat as a morning or afternoon snack: You can eat them plain or add to yogurt or nuts for a more substantial snack. Alternatively, try making your own trail mix.
•Add to oatmeal: A small sprinkling of raisins, sultanas and currants adds natural sweetness to your porridge.
Raisins, sultanas and currants are all highly nutritious and make good substitutes for one another.
At the end of the day, it is best to choose on a case-by-case basis depending on the recipe or dish and your taste preferences.
It is also important to keep in mind that some manufacturers add a preservative called sulfur dioxide to retain the color of the fresh grape. It is mainly used for sultanas or “golden raisins.”
Some individuals are sensitive to sulfur dioxide and experience symptoms such as stomach cramps, skin rashes and asthma attacks after eating it (17).
If you are sensitive to sulfur dioxide, look out for this preservative on the label.
Summary
Raisins, sultanas and currants are different types of dried grapes that are rich in fiber, potassium and antioxidants.
Raisins are made from a range of grape varieties. They are dried naturally and are usually the largest of the three.
Sultanas are made from seedless green grapes. They are often dipped in a solution prior to drying, which speeds up the process. They are often the juiciest and lightest in color.
Currants are made from small grape varieties. They are dried naturally and are the smallest and darkest of the three.
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Oct 10, 2019 · Sultanas are small, sweet dried fruits that are similar to raisins. How are sultanas made? Both raisins and sultanas are forms of dried grapes that grow on vines, although they are made using different types of grape varieties.
- Sultanas, also known as golden raisins, are made from green seedless grapes. These grapes undergo a brief drying process, which involves treating them with sulphur dioxide to preserve their light golden colour. - Sultanas are known for their softer texture and higher moisture content compared to raisins.
Jun 28, 2024 · What Are Sultanas? Can Currants, Raisins, and Sultanas Be Used Interchangeably? Pick up any baking recipe where dried fruits are involved and there is no way of avoiding the three stalwarts of currants, raisins, and sultanas. These three are used extensively in traditional British and Irish cakes and puddings.
- Elaine Lemm
The term "sultana" refers to golden-colored dried grapes, which may also be called "golden raisins" (such as marketed by Sun-Maid, a California -based raisin grape growers' co-op and legacy brand). Any grape may be used to produce golden raisins, and any kind of golden raisins from any kind of grape may be marketed as "sultanas".
Jan 3, 2024 · What Are Sultanas? Raisins that are made using different drying methods or different types of grapes may have different names. Raisins, sultanas, and currants are three kinds of dried grapes.
