In this article from the RST FOOD website, we are going to tell you about Raisins of Iran, Golden type & its benefits. Stay with us.
Dried grapes or raisins are a traditional bakery and confectionary ingredient in the world. They are increasingly used as a healthy snacks and innovative bakery and confectionary products as an ingredient for sugar replacement. They also be used in combination with nuts or other dried fruit.
Golden raisins are a type of dried fruit that have a distinctive golden color and a sweet, fruity flavor. They are very popular in Arabic countries because of their quality and tastes. Golden raisins are not made from a different variety of grapes than regular raisins, but they undergo a different drying process that preserves their light color and plumpness.
How do they make?
Golden raisins (Raisins of Iran) are made from dried grapes, ripe fruit of the grapevine (Vitis Vinifera). After grapes reach the desired sugar content, they are harvested, washed, dried, sorted and packed. Before drying, grapes may be dipped into a chemical solution to remove natural wax from the skin of the fruit. This process shortens the drying time and enables a lighter skin color.
The difference in color and texture between golden raisins and other types of raisins ( Sultanas & Sun-Dried ) comes from the way they are processed. Sun-Dried raisins are sun-dried for about three weeks, which causes browning and shriveling. The browning reaction is accelerated by higher temperatures.
Golden raisins, on the other hand, are not dried in the sun but in large dehydrators with controlled temperature and humidity levels. They are dried in less than 5-8 days. They are also treated with sulfur dioxide, which is an antioxidant that helps preserve their golden color and prevent spoilage. Sulfur dioxide is commonly used both as a flavoring agent and as a coloring agent. Amount of Sulfur dioxide is customized between 700 to 1500 ppm depend on costumer’s order.
What are the benefits of Raisins of Iran-golden raisins?
Golden raisins (Raisins of Iran) have several benefits that make them a healthy and delicious snack or ingredient. Some of these benefits are:
- They have a fruitier, lighter flavor than regular raisins. RSTfood company as an experienced supplier, explains that the faster drying process of golden raisins results in a fruitier and less caramelized flavor. They also have more nuanced flavor and are less overly sweet than regular raisins.
- They are rich in antioxidants and nutrients. They have more flavonoids than regular raisins. Flavonoids are phytonutrients that give plants their color and have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants can help protect the body from free radical damage and inflammation. Golden raisins are also a good source of fiber, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin C, selenium, zinc, and other essential nutrients.
- They can improve skin and hair health. According to Nutrilitius3, adding golden raisins to a diet can help create healthy, glowing skin and hair. This is because they contain antioxidants that can fight aging signs, vitamin C that can boost collagen production, iron that can prevent hair loss, and zinc that can improve wound healing.
- They can aid digestion and weight loss. Golden raisins are high in fiber, which can help regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and lower cholesterol levels. Fiber can also make one feel full longer, which can reduce appetite and calorie intake. Golden raisins also have a low glycemic index, which means they do not cause spikes in blood sugar levels.
How can we add golden raisin in our diet?
Golden raisins can be used in various ways in cooking, baking, or snacking. They can add sweetness, texture, and flavor to many dishes. Some examples of how to use golden raisins are:
- You can put it in your children’s bag, as a health ingredient for school times.
- You can consume it in your break times in office or university.
- You can consume it before exercise or after that for recovery.
- Soak them in vinegar before adding them to a recipe. Epicurious suggests this method to enhance the flavor and plumpness of golden raisins2. They recommend using apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for this purpose.
- Add them to salads, grain bowls, or pilafs. Golden raisins can add a burst of sweetness and chewiness to salads, grain bowls, or pilafs. They can pair well with nuts, cheese, herbs, or other dried fruits.
- Use them in baked goods or desserts. Golden raisins can be used instead of regular raisins in cookies, cakes, muffins, breads, pies, or puddings. They can also be mixed with oatmeal, yogurt, granola, or ice cream for a sweet treat.
- Make them into a sauce or chutney. Golden raisins can be cooked with sugar, water, spices, vinegar, or other ingredients to make a sauce or chutney that can complement meat dishes such as chicken, pork, or lamb.
I hope you enjoyed this blog about golden raisins (Raisins of Iran). If you want to learn more about them, you can check out these links:
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