Mungo

OK, so what is the difference between raisins and currants?
I can see that sultanas are from white grapes, but I don't get the raisins/currants thing - is is just down to the level of drying/shrivelling?

paul-s

This is an excellent question, and something i would like to know the answer to as well although i cant stand eating either

OllyK

Raisin - A sweet grape dried either in the sun or by artificial means.
Currant - A small seedless raisin of the Mediterranean region, used chiefly in baking.

Jap2Scrap

Do you know, I thought currants were simply dried blackcurrants. Learn something new every day I guess

Bartop

raisin
[RAY-zihn]
In the most basic terms, a raisin is simply a dried grape. About half of the world's raisin supply comes from California. The most common grapes used for raisins are THOMPSON SEEDLESS, ZANTE and MUSCAT. Grapes are either sun-dried or dehydrated mechanically. Both dark and golden seedless raisins can be made from Thompson seedless grapes. The difference is that the dark raisins are sun-dried for several weeks, thereby producing their shriveled appearance and dark color. Golden raisins have been treated with sulphur dioxide (to prevent their color from darkening) and dried with artificial heat, thereby producing a moister, plumper product. The tiny seedless Zante grapes produce dried currants, and muscat grapes (which usually have their seeds removed before processing) create a dark, perfumy and intensely sweet raisin. All raisins can be stored tightly wrapped at room temperature for several months. For prolonged storage (up to a year), they should be refrigerated in a tightly sealed plastic bag. Raisins can be eaten out of hand, as well as used in a variety of baked goods and in cooked and raw dishes. They have a high natural sugar content, contain a variety of vitamins and minerals and are especially rich in iron. See also CURRANTS.

currant
[KUR-uhnt]
There are two distinctly different fruits called currant. 1. The first — resembling a tiny, dark raisin — is the seedless, dried ZANTE GRAPE. Its name comes from its place of origin — Corinth, Greece. In cooking, this type of currant (like raisins) is used mainly in baked goods. 2. The second type of currant is a tiny berry related to the gooseberry. There are black, red and white currants. The black ones are generally used for preserves, syrups and liqueurs (such as CASSIS), while the red and white berries are good for out-of-hand eating and such preparations as the famous French preserve BAR-LE-DUC and (using the red currants) CUMBERLAND SAUCE. Fresh currants are in season June through August. Choose those that are plump and without hulls. They can be refrigerated, tightly covered, up to 4 days. Currants are delicious in jams, jellies, sauces and simply served with sugar and cream.

Taken from http://www.epicurious.com

Mungo

You learn something new everyday!!

brickboy

Did you hear about the bloke found dead with his head in a bowl of muesli?








































He was dragged under by a strong currant

talizman

iTrader: (1)

Aren't raisins in the past tense, whereas currents are, well....... current




















<grabs coat on way to door>

scoobydooooo

i thought you found currents in bodies of water !!













i'll follow with my parka !!

Bartop

Apparantly ITV are planning a new series all about the scandals caused by the adulterous antics within a community of dried grapes...


The working title is called 'Current Affairs'




......coat on, running out the door...