sultanas
Also Known as
Sultani, White raisins
Description
Sultanas are convenient, high energy low fat snack; they are easy to pack, easy to eat and almost never go bad. Like other dried fruits, they are available throughout the year.
The sultana is a type of white, seedless grape of Turkish or Iranian origin. These are typically larger than the raisins. Sultana raisins have a delicate and unique flavor and are especially noted for their sweetness and golden colour. The sultana is a soft, juicy, amber coloured fruit with a very sweet flavour. It is largely produced from a seedless white grape and varies in shape from round to oval according to variety.
How to Select
If possible, purchase raisins that are sold in bulk or in transparent containers so that you can judge their quality, checking to see that they are moist and undamaged. When buying raisins in a sealed, opaque container, make sure that the container is tightly sealed and that they are produced or packaged by a reputable company
Culinary Uses
· As well as serving as a snack food without further processing, sultana raisins are used in a variety of dishes, often prepared by soaking in water, fruit juice, or alcohol
· Being seedless, succulent and sweet - almost honey-like- Sultanas are a natural choice for cakes, biscuits and desserts
· The warm rounded flavour goes remarkably well with savoury items.
· Sultanas are a great addition to homemade granola or can be sprinkled over any breakfast cereal, hot or cold.
· It also goes well in most baked goods. Add them to bread, muffins and cookies.
· Add sultanas, almonds, peppers and onions to brown rice to make a tasty side dish.
· Mix sultanas with your favorite nuts for a high-energy, protein and fiber-packed homemade snack or trail mix.
How to Store
Storing sultanas in the refrigerator in an airtight container will extend their freshness and prevent them from becoming dried out. If you purchase them in single serving boxes and do not want to transfer them to another container, store the boxes in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life. It will be the most fresh if consumed within six months.
Health Benefits
· Sultanas are a good source of iron, potassium and selenium and also contain vitamin A and some vitamin B.
· It is also rich in fiber.
· They are beneficial for high blood pressure, fluid retention, constipation and anemia.
· Their high calorie content makes them an ideal snack for anyone involved in sports.