Before we talk about how to make raisins let me briefly explain what raisins are. Dry grapes are called partially dehydrated grapes. They can be eaten as a dessert or in other preparations. There are different methods for making raisins, but the most important step is knowing how to choose grapes.
What Kind of Grapes Can We Use?
We must choose grapes of normal size, which are not excessively large, preferably grape varieties without seeds. Raisins can be made from red or white varieties and any variety depending on taste and availability. For the red grapes, the best varieties are seedless Flame, seedless Ruby, and in white, it is the seedless Sultana.
How to Make Raisins?
To make the raisins, we start by washing the entire bunch of grapes, placing them under the tap, and then squeezing them without removing the peduncle. The grapes can be spread on some nets or trays before placing them in an electric dehydrator (it can also be an oven or a microwave) or a “homemade” solar dehydrator.
How to Make Raisins by Natural Heat?
The solar dehydrator “home” is to place an absorbent paper on a flat surface to put on the grapes separated from each other to allow better air circulation between them.
With a cloth, we cover the grapes, thus obtaining complete darkness to preserve the heat and allow good ventilation during the process of dehydration. This will also protect the grains from birds and insects, as well as dust and air contamination. This process of making raisins can take about ten days, depending on the climate.
Another method for making raisins does not require the bunch to be pruned. After properly cleaning the bunch, put a string in the bunch and then hang it in a ventilated place, well exposed to sunlight or indirect light, depending on the season and weather conditions.
How to Make Raisins by Artificial Heat?
Another method to make raisins is using the artificial heat of a traditional oven. In this case, place the grapes in the oven at 50 ° and gradually increase the temperature until reaching 70 °, for about 7 to 10 hours. But, of course, given all the circumstances, the best option is good dehydrator food.
Preservation of Raisins.
Once obtained the raisins, do not forget to keep them in a dark, ventilated, and dry place. They can be placed in open containers, covered with a cloth that allows ventilation to avoid the risk of re-wetting.
Properties of Raisins.
Raisins are food that has many benefits. They are rich in potassium, which helps with blood circulation, regulating blood pressure. It is healthy food for those who suffer from hypertension. Besides, potassium helps regulate body fluids and helps fight rheumatism or arthritis.