April 30th is National Raisin Day and we believe this undervalued fruit is due for a comeback. Since the dawn of the Craisin in 1993, the raisin has been well, let’s just say swapped. It seemed more exciting to make Oatmeal Craisin Cookies and Craisin Granola. No doubt there is room in our world for both and recipe where the tartness from a craisin is needed, but juicy, plumped raisins deserve their day in the “sun” and here it is.
We all learned in Kindergarten that raisins are just dried grapes. Sun or oven dried dark grapes get turned into our favorite dark raisins and small dark grapes get turned into the flavorful but miniature Currants. To make the golden raisins, they add sulfur dioxide and flame dry the grapes, who knew? And there are even more varieties like green grapes in other parts of the world.
Raisins are just dried grapes, no added sugar and so they retain many of the benefits of eating fresh fruit. They have fiber and antioxidant properties, they are one of the richest sources of Boron and are high in Potassium. However, like all dried fruit, they are a concentrated form and so portion size is important or the calories do add up. Dentists often warn against this sticky fruit causing cavities, but recent research has shown that raisins are actually good for oral health. They actually fight the growth of a type of bacteria that can cause inflammation and gum disease.
Raisins are so versatile we have over 100 recipes.
Raisins can be used in savory dishes to add a bit of sweetness often to counterbalance bitter or spicy as in this Broccoli RabeDish.
Broccoli Rabe with Raisins and Pine Nuts
Raisins are also the perfect on the go snack on their own or mixed with nuts and grains for a trail mix or granola.
California Almond Granola with Golden Raisins
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They also add perfect sweetness to desserts like in these Raisin and Chocolate Filled Cookies.
Raisin and Chocolate Filled Cookies
Or these Whole Wheat Cinnamon Raisin Banana Muffins
Whole-Wheat Cinnamon Raisin Banana Muffins
Whether you choose to celebrate this day with one of these 100 recipes with raisins or you just decide to carry a box and snack on them, Have a Raisin Day!
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