Enjoy the combination of grapes and sunshine with Sun-Maid Raisins.

How Are Raisins Made?

Sun-Maid Raisins are what their name states: they’re sun made! Raisins are produced from a sun-drying process of a variety of grapes. This sun-dried technique used to make raisins has existed for centuries, dating all the way back to ancient times. In fact, ancient Egyptian writings lend evidence that suggests raisins were consumed in ancient Egyptian cultures. Raisins have a flavor similar to grapes; however, the sun-drying process allows the sugar in the raisins to become much higher in concentration as compared to grapes, making the raisins taste much sweeter than their grape relatives. The majority of grapes used to make raisins in the U.S. are grown in sunny California because the area has an ideal climate and terrain growing grapes. Over four pounds of fresh grapes are needed to make a pound of fresh raisins.

How Were Raisins Discovered?

While Sun-Maid Raisins are produced from a time-tested process to create high-quality raisins, it’s likely that the first raisin-making processes were discovered accidentally. Many historians imagine that the sun-drying process used to create sun-dried raisins might have been discovered by our ancestors when they came across fallen fruit that had dried in the sun. They likely consumed the fruit and realized it was much sweeter after having been dried in the sun.

Raisin Benefits

Sun-dried raisins provide a number of health benefits thanks in part to their high amounts of fiber and antioxidants. The high amounts of fiber in Sun-Maid organic raisins allow you to have a healthier digestive system and also work to better regulate your bowel movements. The antioxidants in these sun-dried raisins also provide you with relief from free radicals and oxidative stress. Free radicals are harmful chemical compounds that increase your risk for cancer, while oxidative stress can lead to the development of a chronic disease. Raisins also act as natural preservatives for many foods.