Raisins are dried grapes that are naturally sweet, chewy, and rich in nutrients, making them one of the most popular dried fruits across the globe. They are produced by drying fresh grapes under the sun or through mechanical drying methods, which remove the moisture while preserving the natural sugars and essential nutrients. The drying process gives raisins their characteristic deep brown, golden, or green color, depending on the grape variety and method used.
India is one of the leading producers of raisins, with Maharashtra and Karnataka being key growing regions. Indian raisins are known for their natural sweetness, uniform size, glossy appearance, and long shelf life, making them highly suitable for both domestic use and international export.
There are several types of raisins available, such as Golden Raisins, Black Raisins, Green Raisins, and Malayer Raisins, each offering unique color, taste, and texture profiles. Golden raisins are typically made from sultana grapes and dried in a controlled environment with sulfur dioxide to retain their light color. Black and green raisins are sun-dried, providing a more natural, traditional flavor.