Grapes are among the most consumed dried fruits in our regions. If you're a fan of these sweet little fruits, why not make your own raisins? Drying fruit involves removing the water they contain through evaporation, and there are three methods: oven drying, dehydrator drying, and air drying. Discover these methods to make your first homemade raisins!

types of dried grapes, homemade dried fruits

Varieties of Grapes to Dry

Black, white, or pink, grapes are generally very sweet and can all be dried. The most commonly used varieties for making raisins are:

  • Sultanas, which are white and seedless,
  • Currants, originating from Greece, small and also seedless,
  • and Smyrna raisins, originating from Turkey.

Preferably choose seedless and organic grapes, untreated with pesticides.

which varieties for dried grapes

Sultanas

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How to Dry Grapes?

Preparing the Grapes

  • Choose ripe and healthy grapes
  • Wash the grapes
  • Then detach them from the clusters and dry them.

Oven Drying

  • Arrange the prepared grapes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper
  • Ensure the fruits do not touch each other
  • Preheat your oven to 50°C
  • Leave to dry for the necessary time (between 8 to 10 hours on average)
  • Occasionally open the oven door slightly to allow evaporation to escape
  • When they look like still fleshy dried fruits, remove the grapes from the oven and let them cool

Dehydrator Drying

Another option is to use a dehydrator. Simply:

  • Arrange the prepared grapes on the trays of the appliance
  • and start the drying process according to the time and instructions provided in the manual.

dehydrating grapes, dehydrator for dried fruits

Air Drying

Finally, grapes can be dried outdoors in the sun if you live in a warm climate.

  • Place the grapes on clean trays outside on a table exposed to the sun
  • Cover with muslin to protect them from birds and insects if needed
  • Leave to dry for a few days, bringing them indoors each evening and monitoring the drying progress
grapes dried in the sun

Traditional outdoor drying of grapes

How to Store Them?

  • Raisins can be stored in an airtight glass jar and placed in a dry, cool, and dark place.
  • They can also be stored in an airtight plastic bag in the refrigerator.
  • Raisins can last for several weeks or even months. Ensure no mould develops, which can happen if the grapes were not sufficiently dehydrated, for example.

How to Use Them?

Uses of Raisins in Cooking and as Snacks

  • Raisins are commonly used in cakes, especially fruitcakes, but also as an accompaniment to cereals, cottage cheese, or yoghurt, for breakfast or snacks.
  • They can also be eaten as a snack during aperitifs or sports activities, providing a concentrated energy source.
  • Finally, they can be used in dishes like tagines or salads.
  • They can be used as-is or rehydrated by soaking in water, tea, sauce, or alcohol.
  • As they are very sweet, it's important to consume them in small quantities.