Raisins are one of the most popular dried fruits that are widely used all over the world. Raisins are dried grapes. There are also many types of raisins that vary in color, taste, size and sweetness. These differences are due to the type of grape that was dried to obtain the raisins. Raisins are beneficial for health and the body as they are rich in important nutrients, vitamins and minerals. But it is necessary to know the number of calories in raisins, especially for people who follow a diet to lose weight. Especially since raisins are used in preparing many delicious dishes and desserts. So in this article we will show you the calories in raisins.
Calories in Raisins:
Raisins are the dried fruits of grapes, or as some call currants. However, unlike fresh grapes, raisins are rich in energy sources, vitamins, electrolytes and minerals. Each 100 grams of raisins contains 249 calories. It also contains greater amounts of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidant compounds (polyphenols) than fresh grapes. However, raisins contain lower amounts of vitamin C, folic acid, carotenoids, lutein and xanthine than fresh grapes.
There are two popular types of raisins: red grape raisins, or dried raisins without seeds.
In general, fresh grapes, whether seeded or without seeds, are subjected to drying under the sun or mechanical drying techniques and methods. In some cases, the grapes are dried completely on the plant itself (it is dried with vines). The moisture content of raisins should not exceed 16% of the dry weight. Then the raisins are processed and cleaned in certain ways and classified before being sent to the market.
Types of processed raisins:
- First: without seeds.
- The second: golden without seeds.
- Third: raisins with seeds.
- Fourth: Sultana.
- Fifth: black raisins.
- Sixth: Mixed species.
Each 100 grams of raisins contains the following nutritional facts:
- Energy: 299 calories, which is 15% of the recommended daily value.
- Carbs: 79.8 grams, which is 61% of the recommended daily value.
- Protein: 3.07 grams, which is 5.5% of the recommended daily value.
- Total fat: 0.46 grams, which is 1.5% of the recommended daily value.
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams, which is 0% of the recommended daily value.
- Dietary fiber: 3.7 grams, which is 10% of the recommended daily value.
vitamins:
- Folic acid: 5 micrograms, which is 1% of the recommended daily value.
- Niacin: 0.766 mg, which is 5% of the recommended daily value.
- Panthonic acid: 0.095 mg, which is 2% of the recommended daily value.
- Pyridoxine: 0.0174 mg, which is 13% of the recommended daily value.
- Vitamin E: 0.12 milligrams, which represents 1% of the recommended daily value.
- Riboflavin: 0.125 mg, which is 10% of the recommended daily value.
- Vitamin A: 0 international units, which is 0% of the recommended daily value.
- Thiamine: 0.106 mg, which is 9% of the recommended daily value.
- Vitamin C: 2.3 milligrams, which is 4% of the recommended daily value.
- Pyridoxine: 0.0174 mg, which is 13% of the recommended daily value.
- Vitamin E: 0.12 milligrams, which represents 1% of the recommended daily value.
- Vitamin K: 3.5 micrograms, which is 3% of the recommended daily value.
Electrolytes:
- Sodium: 11%, which is 1% of the recommended daily value.
- Potassium: 749 mg, which is 16% of the recommended daily value.
Metal:
- Calcium: 50 mg, which is 5% of the recommended daily value.
- Copper: 0.318, which represents 35% of the recommended daily value.
- Iron: 1.88 mg, which is 23% of the recommended daily value.
- Manganese: 0.299 mg, which is 12% of the recommended daily value.
- Magnesium: 7 mg, which is 2% of the recommended daily value.
- Phosphorous: 101 milligrams, which is 15% of the recommended daily value.
- Selenium: 0.6 mcg, which is 1% of the recommended daily value.
- Zinc: 0.22 mg, which is 2% of the recommended daily value.
How to choose and store raisins:
There are many brands in the market. But you should look for the original brands and choose high-quality raisins. Because bad quality raisins have thin flesh and have a bad taste and flavour.
Buying whole-flesh raisins that have an attractive appearance is the best way to get the beautiful wrinkles of the raisins. Therefore, you should avoid buying old and stored raisins, as they may contain excessive moisture or mold and may be damaged by sunburn. They may be infested with insects, which may seriously affect the overall appearance and quality of the raisins. It may also affect the great nutrients of raisins, so its health benefits are reduced, and it can even harm health and the body.
Raisins are dried fruits that have a long shelf life. However, it must be stored in airtight containers and kept away from moisture, sunlight and high temperatures. It can also be stored in the refrigerator to extend the shelf life.
Storing raisins at cold temperatures in the refrigerator for long periods may lead to precipitation of sugar contents that are found in raisins. This may affect their quality, but this condition can be treated by soaking raisins in boiling water for a few minutes in order to dissolve the sugar crystals.
How to use raisins:
Raisins are one of the most commonly used ingredients in desserts.
Here are some tips for using raisins:
- It can be eaten as a snack without any additives.
- It can be sprinkled on fruit salad, ice cream and desserts.
- Add it to baked goods such as chocolate, cakes, bread, sweets, biscuits, cakes and pies.
- It can be eaten with other types of dried fruits such as apricots, dates, prunes and nuts such as almonds and cashews.
Precautions for eating raisins :
Raisins, especially golden raisins, are treated with sulfur dioxide. Which may exacerbate asthma and other allergy symptoms in people who are allergic to sulfur. Therefore, you should carefully read the instructions on the raisin bags to make sure if they have been treated with sulfur dioxide or not. However, natural sun-dried products are safe to use.
