Dried raisins are a delicious natural snack and are an addition to many recipes, such as oatmeal raisin biscuits. Dried raisins are not difficult to make if you follow a few easy steps below.
If you want to dry raisins using a dehydrator or oven, see how to make raisins using a food dryer.
Step
Step 1. Start with fresh green or purple grapes
Make sure the grapes are fresh, ripe, not mushy or hollow. Examine the wine carefully.
Step 2. Remove the large stem and wash the grapes thoroughly
Do not pull the whole grape from the stem. If you're unsure of the origin, wash the grapes in a diluted bleach solution (two drops of your home bleach solution in 1 liter of water) just in case.
Step 3. Place the wine on the tray
Use trays made of wood, wicker, bamboo, or hollow plastic to allow air circulation around the wine.
Step 4. Place the tray of wine in a dry place in the sun (this step requires warm, dry weather)
If the climate around you is foggy or dewy, bring a tray into the house at night.
Step 5. Leave the wine in the sun for 2-3 days, or until it dries (taste test)
Turn the wine and/or tray over to make sure they are exposed to the sun evenly.
Step 6. Remove the remaining stems from the dried grapes and store in an airtight dry container in a cool place
Step 7. Done
Tips
- Pay attention to the level of moisture and spoilage of the wine. If some of the grapes rot, remove them from the tray immediately and spread the fruit around them to dry. Remember that dry grapes will shrivel and shrink, not turn stale and rotten.
- Overripe grapes take longer to dry and can rot earlier. Instead, use wine that is not too ripe but tastes sweet.
- The best raisin products are usually dried by hanging on a string or wire. This method is more difficult than using a flat tray, but works better because the wine can be exposed to the maximum air.
- Warm air (such as a breeze) can help the wine dry faster. If possible, place the drying tray in an area exposed to southerly winds.
- Protect the grapes being dried from insects, such as flies. Cover the grapes with cheesecloth (not plastic) or gauze if necessary.
