What types or raisins are the best?

Dried fruits are a highly nutritious snack options. One small piece of dried fruit contains about the same amount of nutrients as the fresh fruit, but condensed in a much tinier package.

Raisins, like dried apricots, prunes and figs, are a great source of energy, vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants. Additionally, they are packed with dietary fibre, several health benefiting antioxidants, phytonutrients and anthocyanins. 

Raisins contain plenty of calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, copper, fluoride, zinc and flavonoid compounds such astartaric acid, tannins, catechins. These all come together with inulin and fibre to further aid in ensuring smooth bowel movements through their gentle laxative function.

Find different types of raisins in an online wholefood store

You can easily find raisins in the grocery shops. However, they offered a limited selection of them and no organic options. If you look to buy raisins online, you will discover there are a few types and varieties of these tiny sweet delights. Buy organic raisins instead of conventional to avoid chemicals and preservatives. 

From the health benefits point of view, all raisins are equally good. The difference is rather in colour, shape, size and taste.

Black Raisins

Black raisins are one of the most common types of raisins. Black raisins are dried or dehydrated dark grapes. Size ranges between 1.5 cm and 2.5 cm. As they become drier, their colour even darkens. Black raisins are fleshy and chewy. 

Health Benefits of Black Raisins

Black raisins are great for digestion. They purify and cleanse the intestines. They will also make your hair stronger and improve your skin health thanks to antioxidants. Black raisins contain calcium and oleanolic acid, preventing the tooth from decaying and fighting against germs and cavities. 

Sultanas

Sultanas are dried seedless grapes of Vitis Vinifera L. variety of grapes. These large, yellow-green grapes are dried into these raisins are particularly flavourful, sweet and soft. Similar to raisins and currants they can be enjoyed on their own a lunch box favourite or added to various cakes, granola, cereal, oatmeal, pancakes and salads and savoury dishes.

Health Benefits of Sultanas

Sultanas are naturally rich in concentrated dietary fibre, essential minerals and polyphenol antioxidants which will help fight free radicals. 

Golden Raisins

Golden raisins have a higher level of moisture and are plumper than dark raisins. They are seedless, larger, and lighter (hence the name Golden) and they have a bit different and unique flavour than darker raisins. 

Ideal as a topping to your porridge, muesli, morning oats. Golden raisins can be used in many cakes, biscuits, muffins as well as savoury recipes to add this little bit of sweet twist to your dishes. As they are seedless, they will make an ideal snack for children.

Health benefits of golden raisins

Golder raisins are great to promote healthy digestion, lower blood pressure, improve blood sugar control and increase feelings of fullness.

Lexia Raisins

Lexia raisins are medium to dark brown, extra-large and made from seedless grapes. They have a bit different unique flavour and are sourced from Australia. 

They will be a great topping for your muesli and porridge and can be included in many baking recipes. They will enhance the flavour of many vegetable dishes like curries and cous cous. These raisins will add a sweet twist to any of your recipes. Great for those with sweet tooth as a healthy daily snack! 

Health benefits of Lexia raisins

Lexia raisins are rich in fibre. They can help improve digestive function, bone and teeth health and weight control. Raisins are also one of the richest sources of the mineral boron and provide concentrated amounts of polyphenolic phytonutrients.

Thompson Raisins 

Thompson raisins are dried or dehydrated seedless grapes of the same plant as sultanas - Vitis Vinifera L. These large, yellow-green grapes are dried into raisins that are particularly soft and flavourful. The most suitable climate for this grape variety is in Turkey and California. The seedless Thompson Raisins are dried with great care in autumn sun with no preservatives. Natural Thompson Raisins are sweet and tangy.

Health benefits of Thompson Raisins

Californian Thompson Seedless Raisins

Thompson Seedless Raisins