
raisins
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)
Portuguese Bread Pudding
This recipe taken from www.Portuguese-recipes.com
Potato Pound
Potato Pound from the Recidemia collection
Power Breakfast
Makes 6 servings
Pudding
Makes 8 servings.
Puerto Rican Pudding
Puerto Rican Pudding from the Recidemia collection
Pumpkin Bars I
Pumpkin Bars I from the Recidemia collection
Pumpkin Bread I
Fruit & Vegetable Recipes II by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe
Pumpkin Carrot Raisin Bread
.
PUMPKIN MUFFINS FROM HELEN KEMP
PUMPKIN MUFFINS FROM HELEN KEMP from the Recidemia collection
Pumpkin Muffins III
These freeze well. Makes 12 muffins.
Quick Indian Curry with Coconut Quinoa
Quick Indian Curry with Coconut Quinoa from the Recidemia collection

Quindão de Yayá
right|Quindão de Yayá
Quinoa Fun Fruit Dessert
Quinoa Fun Fruit Dessert from the Recidemia collection
Raisin-Apple Sauce for Ham
Good with hot or cold ham or ham sandwiches.
Raisin Bars
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group * Yield: 16 Serv
Raisin Bread
Raisin Bread from the Recidemia collection
Raisin Bread I
Raisin Bread I from the Recidemia collection
Raisin breakfast bars
Raisin breakfast bars from the Recidemia collection
Raisin Cheese Slaw
Fruit and Vegetable Recipes I by the south Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Yields about 4 cups.
Raisin Cookies
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Mclean Estate in Irving, Texas in 1982.
Raisin Crumb Pie
Raisin Crumb Pie - makes two pies.
Raisin Griddle Cakes
From my Grandmother’s Estate. Notation on card says this was one of several griddlecake recipes served at church breakfast fundraisers for years. Dated 1928.
Raisin Jam
This is a recipe my mom used to make when I was younger. It's simple and quick and quite a healthy treat.
Raisin 'n' Orange Oat Bran Cereal
Makes 4 servings
Raisin Pudding Pie
This recipe taken from www.Portuguese-recipes.com
Raisin Scones
These scones are juicy with raisins, and the tart taste of buttermilk. With all the raisins, these biscuits are a sweet treat even without any toppings or spreads. You can enjoy them all on their own.
Raisin Spice Lentil Cookies
These cookies fill the kitchen with a delicious fragrance while baking. They taste great fresh from the oven with a glass of cold skim milk. Recipe From: Magic Beans, 1996 by Patti Bazel.
Raisin Tart with Sour-Cream Sauce
Raisin Tart with Sour-Cream Sauce from the Recidemia collection
Rhubarb Raisin Crumble
Rhubarb Raisin Crumble from the Recidemia collection
Rice Crème Brûlée
Makes 6 servings
Rice Dressing Piquant
Makes 12 servings
Rice Pudding I
Rice Pudding I from the Recidemia collection
Rice with Tofu and Nuts
Serves one as a main dish and 2 as a side dish
Rolled Oats, Fruit and Nut Cookies
Rolled Oats, Fruit and Nut Cookies from the Recidemia collection
Rumkage
Danish rum cake - Makes 1 cake Rum Cake - Rumkage
R-U-Oating Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.
Salat Tangiers
This salad is an authentic Moroccan dish that is ideal for vegetarians. It is served cold and mixes the sweet with the spicy! This recipe serves 4 to 6.
Sally Parker's Boiled Spice Cake
Sally Parker's Boiled Spice Cake from the Recidemia collection
Sauk-Prairie Eagle Inn Easy Sour Cream Raisin Pie
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group * Makes 7 to 8 s
Seven-vegetable Couscous
This type of couscous is a great dish for vegetarians and gives couscous an inspiring and unique flavor. Welcome to Africa!
Six-karat Salad
Six-karat Salad from the Recidemia collection
Skillet Granola
Skillet Granola from the Public Health Cookbook -- original source of recipe, public domain government resource
Smoky Hawaiian Chicken Salad
Sweet, smoky and super tasty! The smokehouse almonds are the secret ingredient.
Soy Bran Muffins
Soy Bran Muffins from the Recidemia collection
Soy Carrot Cake
.
Spanish Bar Cake
Spanish Bar Cake
Spice Fruitcake
Dessert Recipes by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe May be frozen.
Spicy Carrot Bread
Spicy Carrot Bread
Steak and Guinness Pie
This Irish meat dish is best served and eaten with potatoes and vegetables.
St. Lucia Buns
Swedish saffron buns named for Saint Lucia of Syracuse (283–304), whose name day, December 13, was once considered the longest night of the year.