As we head into autumn, a bounty of harvested fruits and vegetables is making its way onto grocery store shelves. One such fruit is the sultana, a sweet and nutty dried grape that’s perfect for snacking or baking. Sultanas have a long history, dating back to the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome. They’re also a part of Jewish and Muslim culture, as they’re mentioned in religious texts. So what are sultanas, exactly? Let’s explore this delicious little fruit a bit more.
What are sultanas?
Sultanas are a type of raisin that has been dried in the sun. They’re typically larger, and rounder than a regular raisin and have a sweet and nutty flavour. Sultanas are made from white grapes, which are UV-treated (sun-dried) to stop the natural sugar fermentation process. This way, they retain their natural sweetness and flavour.
What is the difference between raisins and sultanas?
Sultanas are a type of raisin that is seedless, sweeter and smaller in size. They are usually golden in colour, but there are also black sultanas. Sultanas are made from white grapes that have been dried and treated with sulphur dioxide, which gives them their characteristic sweet flavour and golden colour. Raisins, on the other hand, are made from whole grapes that have been dried and can be either seedless or seeded. They come in all different colours, including black, green and red. Raisins can be either sweet or sour, depending on the variety of grape used.
Where do sultanas come from?
Sultanas, or golden raisins, are a type of dried grape. They’re often confused with regular raisins, but there are a few key distinctions. Sultanas are smaller in size, have a more intense flavour, and are firmer in texture. They’re also typically sweeter than regular raisins. Sultanas are a result of a particular type of grape being dried and then treated with sulphur dioxide, which gives them their characteristic golden colour. They’re grown all over the world, but some of the most famous producers include Turkey, Greece, and California.
How are sultanas made?
Sultanas are a type of golden raisin that has a sweet and nutty flavour. They’re made by drying white grapes in the sun until they become a deep golden colour. The dehydration process intensifies their sweetness and brings out their delicious flavour. They make a great snack or addition to baked goods, and you can find them at most grocery stores.
Recipes with sultanas
Sultanas are versatile little buggers and can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. They’re often added to sweetbreads, like banana bread, as well as cookies, cakes and other desserts. You can also add them to savoury dishes for a bit of sweetness and texture. Some popular recipes that include sultanas are curries, tagines, stews and even salads. They’re a great way to add a bit of sweetness and complexity to any dish. Sultanas are sweet, nutty and delicious dried fruit that come from grapes. They are often used in baking recipes but can also be eaten as a healthy snack on their own. Sultanas are a good source of fibre, vitamins and minerals, and they taste great too!
