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

Grape Varieties for Drying

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 organic, seedless grapes that haven't been treated 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 bunches and dry them.

Oven Drying

  • Arrange the prepared grapes on your oven tray lined with baking paper
  • Ensure the fruits don't touch each other
  • Preheat your oven to 50°C
  • Leave to dry for the necessary time (on average between 8 to 10 hours)
  • Occasionally open the oven door slightly to let the evaporation escape
  • When they look like plump 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 appliance's trays
  • and start the drying process according to the time and instructions in the user manual.

dehydrating grapes, fruit dehydrator

Air Drying

Finally, grapes can be dried outdoors in direct sunlight if you live in a warm climate.

  • Place the grapes on clean trays outside on a table in full 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
sun-dried grapes

Traditional outdoor grape drying

How to Store Them?

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

How to Use Them?

Uses for Raisins in Cooking and as Snacks

  • Raisins are of course used in cakes, especially fruitcakes, but also with cereals, cottage cheese, or yoghurt, for breakfast or snacks.
  • They can also be eaten as snacks during aperitifs or for sports energy, 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 best to consume them in small quantities.