Dried Currants

Premium bulk dried currants for wholesalers, distributors, suppliers and importers

Dried currants: a short introduction

The history of the Corinth raisin (dried currant) starts in antiquity, as early as Homer’s time, where it held a top position in the diet of Greeks. In the 19th century it made up 90% of Greek exports in Europe. The grapes are harvested and dried for three weeks. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, they are consumed as a snack, used in baking biscuits and cakes, or to compliment savory dishes.

Greece is the primary producer of currants, mostly in the Peloponnese peninsula and on the lonian islands of Zante and Cephalonia, amounting to about 80% of total world production, with California, South Africa and Australia sharing, and also consuming, most of the remainder.

NUTRITIONAL FACTS

Dried currants belong to the dried fruits family and are the result of grape dehydration, a process that can be made either outdoors, under the sun, or using special machinery. The beneficial properties of dried currants have been established by many clinical studies. Indeed, many studies on Corinth raisin (dried currants) have also been conducted by the Harokopio University.

Currants are a good source of natural fiber: 1/2 a cup of dried currants contain 5 grams of natural fiber. Natural fiber helps reduce cholesterol, constipation and the risk of diabetes. They are rich in potassium and magnesium, which reduce fluid retention. Several studies have shown that the consumption of dried currants is associated with the reduction of blood pressure, which may be due to their high potassium content. Furthermore, currants contain antioxidants, which help reduce free radicals and therefore prevent cancer. They are also a source of vitamins A, B5, B6, B1, E and C.