RAISIN (superfood)

Dense in energy substances, the shriveled morsels known as raisins are actually grapes that have been dried in the sun, containing no kernel but antioxidants that survive roasting, as well as vitamins, minerals and diet fibres. Out of yellow, brown, or purple species, from our vineyards we produce mainly black and blond raisins. Our top Corinthian variety “sultana” comes from the splendid Iranian province Sultanie, with cultivation dating back to the 11th century. We took it over via Izmir 150 years ago.  Very popular at breakfast or even at lenten menus, we steadily see this type of currants on hotel buffets, belonging to both categories of fruit and nuts, praised by Greeks & foreigners alike!

1.      History

Raisins have been proverbial for their high value since ancient times, also suspected for magical effects and functioning as exchange means at slave markets in Plato’s & Aristotle’s era. Greeks and Romans decorated cult venues with raisins, while victorious athletes were awarded with such fruit, and bacchic occasions were filled with them as well.  Emperor Augustus offered them to vips during grand celebrations.  Healers applied them to many Roman territories, as medicine against any illness, poisoning, geriatric weakness etc.  Carthage’s victorious General Hannibal supplied his troops with tons of raisins before they crossed the Alps. Christopher Colombus and his crew sailed the Atlantic Ocean, chewing raisins.   Raisins made up 90% of Greek exports to Europe  in the 19th century, inspiring Xenophon Zolota’s saying that this fruit was meant to us as the equivalent of coffee for Brazil. 

2.      Health

Enjoying a bestowed position in the pantheon of Greek superfoods, our two sorts of raisins exhibit numerous properties, accredited by clinical studies, as they are free from fat or cholesterol, rich in antioxidants, and an excellent source of fiber, thus helping us sustain an invigorated status.  Particular pros stream with essential nutrients, calsium, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, sodium, fructose, and energy in the form of calories and sugars:

·         relieve constipation.

  • prevent anemia.

    • build and maintain strong bones
    • protect your teeth
    •  lower your risk of cancer and heart disease.

     Eaten in moderation (e.g. 2-3 soup spoons daily) raisins confer a happy strength!

    3.      Cuisine

    Naturally sweet and delicious, raisins are recommended for fantastic mixes in cakes, bread, biscuits, muffins, cookies, baked flour goods, oatmeals, yogurts, ice-creams, cereals, corn flakes, rusk toasts, granola, salads, stuffed specialities, risoti, sauces, halvah, koliva dishes of boiled wheat, desserts, pudding etc.

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