What is Differences Between Currants and Raisins and Sultanas?
Currants vs. Raisins and Sultanas
Raisins, sultanas, and currants are various kinds of dried grapes, but distinguishing between them can be perplexing, especially in the case of raisins and sultanas due to differing definitions in different regions. In the US, both raisins and sultanas are referred to as "raisins," with sultanas being labeled as "golden" raisins. However, internationally, raisins and sultanas are distinguished by grape type and processing method. Additionally, the term "currant" can also refer to berries from the gooseberry family. To prevent confusion, we use the international definitions for raisins and sultanas.
Raisins
Raisins are dried grapes that undergo a drying process for approximately three weeks. The darkening of the grapes during drying is what gives raisins their characteristic dark brown color. Different types of grape varieties are utilized in the production of raisins, leading to variations in size, taste, and color. In the United States, raisins are commonly produced from the Thompson seedless grape variety. Conversely, in Australia, raisins are exclusively made from larger grape varieties such as Muscat, Lexia, and Waltham Cross, resulting in larger-sized raisins compared to sultanas. Raisins are known for their dark color, soft texture, sweet flavor, and typically larger size when compared to sultanas and currants.
Sultanas
Sultanas are produced from green seedless grapes, specifically the Thompson Seedless variety. In contrast to raisins, sultanas are usually coated in an oil-based solution before drying to expedite the process. As a result, they are often lighter in color compared to raisins and currants. In Australia, some sultanas are made without the drying solution, leading to a longer drying time of up to three weeks and resulting in a dark brown color. These are commonly known as "natural" sultanas. In the United States, sultanas are referred to as "golden raisins" or "sultana raisins." These grapes are treated with sulfur dioxide, a preservative that maintains the lighter color of the grape. Sultanas are generally smaller than raisins and have a sweeter, juicier, and lighter color than both raisins and currants.
Currants
Real currants are a type of small berries that come from the Ribes family of flowering shrubs. They thrive in northern climates with warm summers and cold winters, and are best when allowed to ripen on the plant. They have been grown in Europe for a long time, and are common in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and various parts of North America. Currants come in different colors, ranging from dark purple to ruby red to almost white. Dried black currants resemble Zante currants but are smaller and have a rich berry taste. Zante currants are produced by drying small, seedless grapes known as "Black Corinth" and "Carina." The drying process typically takes up to three weeks. Their petite size gives them a sweet, tangy, and concentrated taste, making them a versatile addition to both sweet and savory recipes, providing texture and sweetness.
