Hey there! Did you know that raisins used to be grapes? It’s true! Raisins are just dried grapes. Grapes are big and juicy because they have lots of water in them. When you dry them out, they lose their water and shrink into raisins.
Raisins are a sweet snack, and they’re good for you too! They have lots of fiber, potassium, and iron, which help keep you healthy and strong.
There are two main types of raisins: purple raisins and golden raisins. The purple ones are called natural raisins because they’re dried naturally in the sun. People put grapes on big sheets of paper outside, and after about three weeks, they turn into raisins!
Golden raisins are made differently. Some people think they’re a different color because they’re made from different grapes, but that’s not true. Both types come from green grapes without seeds. The color difference comes from how they’re dried.
Golden raisins are dried using a machine called a dehydrator, which takes out the water. This process takes less than a day, much faster than drying in the sun. Before going into the dehydrator, the grapes are treated with sulfur dioxide, a gas that helps keep them golden. This gas is also used to make other dried fruits like apricots and pineapples.
Some people can be allergic to golden raisins because of the sulfur dioxide. An allergy means you might get sick or have a rash from something. So, if someone is allergic to sulfur dioxide, they can’t eat golden raisins, but they might be able to eat the purple ones.
Grapes aren’t the only fruits that change when dried. Have you ever had a prune? Prunes are just dried plums! Like golden raisins, prunes are made using a dehydrator.
Here’s a fun idea: we can make muffins with natural raisins, golden raisins, and even prunes! Adding some pumpkin spice like cinnamon and ginger will make them extra delicious and nutritious. Let’s try it!
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Experiment with Drying: Try drying some grapes at home! With the help of an adult, place a few grapes on a plate and leave them in a sunny spot for a few days. Observe how they change each day. What happens to the size and texture of the grapes? How do they compare to store-bought raisins? Discuss why the grapes change and what makes them turn into raisins.
Raisin Taste Test: Gather different types of raisins, such as natural (purple) and golden raisins. Have a taste test to see if you can tell the difference in flavor. Which one do you like better? Talk about how the drying process might affect the taste and texture of the raisins.
Fruit Drying Detective: Go on a scavenger hunt in your kitchen or local grocery store to find other dried fruits, like prunes, dried apricots, or dried apples. Choose one and research how it is made. Is it dried in the sun or using a dehydrator? Share your findings with your family or friends and discuss why drying fruits is a good way to preserve them.
