Research

Raisins, Sultanas, Currants
‘Raisin’ is the overall term for a dried grape, regardless of variety, colour or taste, it comes from the French word ‘raisin’ which means grape in modern French.

Raisins and sultanas are small, sweet dried fruit that come from different varieties of seedless, vine-grown grapes. They have been dried in the sun, in the shade, in a food dehydrator or by microwave ovens for heating, or dried on the vine (vine-dried). Raisins and sultanas are quite similar and are often used in the same way and they can be substituted for one another.

Raisins come from red vine-grown grapes and are full of energy and are rich in fibre, minerals and vitamins. They are naturally sweet, high in sugar and calories and when eaten in moderate amounts can aid digestion, increase iron levels and keep bones strong. A study published (Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research) found that raisins were effective in improving the performance of endurance athletes.

Raisins are a source of fibre, iron, potassium, calcium and boron. Boron is a mineral critical to good bone health that helps prevent bone degradation problems. Raisins contain naturally occurring chemicals such as phenols and polyphenols considered antioxidants which help remove free radical from the blood and may prevent damage to the body’s cells and DNA. Raisins also contain phytochemicals that could promote healthy teeth and gums by fighting the bacteria present in the mouth that lead to cavities.

Raisins also contain phytochemical compound Resveratrol, a polyphenol antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, blood cholesterol lowering activities, and it reduces stroke risk by altering the cell molecular level inside the blood vessels.
Unlike currants, raisins can soak up other flavours which are why they are used in flavoured alcohols such as brandy.
-------------------------------------------
Sultanas, also called raisins in many countries, come from seedless, greenish white or yellow vine-grown grapes and are larger than raisins and currants. Sultanas are a good source of iron, copper, potassium, selenium and vitamins A and B. They are considered sweeter and juicier than raisins and currants.

Sultanas contain almost identical nutritional value as raisins. However sultanas contain larger amounts of Kaempherol, a flavonoid that has antioxidant properties that can help prevent cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Sultanas are also a source of quercetin, an anti-inflammatory and antihistamine compound that can help relive allergic reactions. (Source USDA).

The sultana is packed with natural sugars that promote the efficient intake of vitamins, proteins and other nutrients into the body. The high iron and copper content is essential for the formation of red blood cells.
 
----------------------------------------------
Currants are small dried fruit that comes from a bush grown berry.  Other names for currants are Black currants, Zante currants, Corinth raisins, Corinthian raisins and in the UK and Ireland they are called currants.

Zante currants are dried Black Corinth grapes, technically raisins, but they are smaller than other varieties of currants. Zante currants are low in sodium, fat-free and cholesterol free, and they provide an ample supply of vitamins and minerals.

Zante currants boast high levels of iron, potassium, calcium and B-complex vitamins and are a source of dietary fibre and antioxidants. These currants are packed with natural compounds that fight oral bacteria, the cause of cavities, tooth decay and periodontal disease. Currants can help lower LDL cholesterol levels, keep bones healthy and the antioxidants in currants protect the eye’s retina by repairing damaged cells.