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raisins

ProduceYear-round. Raisins are a shelf-stable dried product available consistently, though fresh-crop raisins from the Northern Hemisphere are typically harvested and processed from August through October.

Rich in natural sugars (glucose and fructose), fiber, and polyphenol antioxidants. Raisins are also a good source of iron and contain compounds that may support bone health and digestive function.

About

Raisins are dried grapes produced by drying fresh grape berries (Vitis vinifera) in the sun or through mechanical dehydration. Originating in Central Asia and the Mediterranean region, raisins have been produced for millennia and remain a staple preserved fruit globally. The drying process concentrates natural sugars and reduces water content by approximately 75%, transforming green or dark grapes into wrinkled, chewy spheres that range in color from golden to deep brown or black, depending on grape variety and production method. Common varieties include Thompson Seedless (light brown, the most widely produced), Flame Seedless (dark), Muscat (larger, honey-scented), and Corinth raisins, which are small and tart. The flavor profile shifts during drying from fresh and crisp to deeply sweet with notes of caramel, honey, or concentrated fruit.

Culinary Uses

Raisins function as both a sweetening agent and textural element across numerous culinary traditions. They are essential in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Indian cuisines, appearing in pilafs, curries, baked goods, trail mixes, and breakfast cereals. In baking, raisins provide natural moisture and sweetness to breads, cakes, and cookies; they are commonly plumped in warm water or alcohol before use to enhance texture. Raisins also serve as a savory component in rice dishes, meat stews, and tagines, where their sweetness balances spices and rich proteins. Their concentrated sugars make them valuable in confectionery and energy bars.

Used In

Recipes Using raisins (335)

RCI-SP.005.0105.001

Gosht Takhari

Beef Curry - Makes 6 servings.

RCI-SN.004.0075.001

Grape Nut Peanut Clusters

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Fisher Estate in Rockwall, Texas in 1980.

RCI-DS.001.0268.001

Habichuelas con Dulce

Habichuelas con Dulce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0338.001

Halloween Cookie Pizza

This sweet twist on pizza pairs Halloween-favorite toppings with a quick-to-bake cookie crust.

RCI-SW.004.0030.001

Ham and Cheese Quesadillas

Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at World Re

RCI-BR.005.0347.001

Healthy Lemon Bars

Source: Best-tasting Healthy All-time Favorites * preparation time: 1:00

RCI-BR.004.0263.001

Hearty Healthy Carrot Cake

Hearty Healthy Carrot Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.007.0029.001

Hearty Rice Empanada

Makes 4 servings

RCI-BR.005.0351.002

Hermits

are chewy molasses spice cookies. This version is on the strong side of the spectrum so those who prefer less hot-tasting food should hold back on the cloves and ginger.

RCI-BR.005.0352.001

Hermits I

Hermits I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0353.001

Hermits II

Hermits are a favorite cookie in New England.

RCI-BR.005.0354.001

Hermits III

Hermits III from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0355.001

Hermits IV

Hermits IV from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.0086.001

Homemade Granola

Makes 6½ cups

RCI-SC.007.0157.001

Honduran Mango Chutney

Honduran Mango Chutney from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0232.001

Honey Bran Muffins

Bran Flakes: Fortified Ready to Eat Cereal by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 12

RCI-SN.004.0088.001

Honey Crunch

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 8 or 9 cups

RCI-RC.001.0094.001

Honey Walnut Dressing

Makes 6 servings

RCI-RC.004.0141.001

Hot Curried Rice and Vegetables

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-SP.003.0334.001

Hot Norwegian Fruit Soup

Hot Norwegian Fruit Soup

RCI-DS.001.0281.001

Indian Baked Yoghurt with Saffron and Cardamom

Indian Baked Yoghurt with Saffron and Cardamom from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.002.0156.001

Indian Pork

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Boone Estate in Dallas, Texas in 1981.

RCI-RC.005.0043.001

Instant Oatmeal

Instant Oatmeal

RCI-BR.003.0240.001

Irish Buttermilk Bannock

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.003.0243.002

Irish Soda Bread

Over a hundred years ago, the Irish in many parts of rural Ireland made bread using baking soda. Thi

RCI-RC.006.0073.001

Israeli Couscous with Vegetables

Israeli Couscous with Vegetables from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0322.001

Israeli Sweet Sour Salad

Serves 4.

RCI-BR.008.0104.002

Kaiserschmarrn

Austrian Cuisine

RCI-BR.008.0104.001

Kaiserschmarrn

Austrian Cuisine

RCI-DS.003.0182.001

Kamakäkid

No, these are not Greek meatballs waiting to be shallow-fried again, but sweet tidbits made with mascarpone and the ubiquous Estonian ingredient kama.

RCI-MT.004.0527.001

Kukulhu Musanmaa

Kukulhu Musanmaa from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.007.0076.001

Lavang Lata

Ethnicity - Central India Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner

RCI-BR.004.0307.001

Lenten Orange Cake

Lenten Orange Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0348.001

Lentil Rice Salad

Makes 6 servings

RCI-DS.003.0191.001

Lizard skins

Lizard skins from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0543.001

Low-cal Fiesta Chicken

Low-cal Fiesta Chicken from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0260.001

Low-cholesterol Walnut Scones

Low-cholesterol Walnut Scones from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0389.001

Low-fat Applesauce Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * This recipe makes:

RCI-BR.005.0392.001

Low-fat Sugar-free Raisin Bars

Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at World Re

RCI-EG.003.0093.001

Luchshen Kugel

Luchshen Kugel from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0322.001

Lys Frugtkage

Lys Frugtkage White fruit cake Makes 1

RCI-DS.001.0323.001

Maltese Rice Pudding

Serves 4.

RCI-SC.007.0191.001

Mango Almond Chutney

Mango Almond Chutney from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0329.001

Mango Cake

Mango Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0197.001

Mango Mango Mango Chutney

Mango Mango Mango Chutney from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0331.001

Mango Orange Bread Pudding

Mango Orange Bread Pudding from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.005.0099.001

Mango Peach Chutney

Mango Peach Chutney from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0404.001

Maple Raisin Cookies

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-EG.003.0094.001

Matzo Mango Kugel

Matzo Mango Kugel from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0409.001

Mazurka I

In Romanian: Mazurka I