Sultanas

Sultanas are a dried fruit made from the white, seedless sultana grape. They are typically larger than the currants made from red Zante grapes but smaller than raisins made from seeded white grapes. The sultana grape is cultivated in the United States under the name Thompson Seedless; however, the dried fruits are marketed as 'seedless raisins'.

Sultanas are noted for their moist texture, their golden brown colour and their mild, sweet, slightly fragrant taste. They may be eaten as a snack or used in sweet and savoury recipes, such as Middle Eastern and Indian meat and rice dishes, cakes, biscuits and puddings. Soaking them in fruit juice, alcohol, stock or water before use makes them plump, tender and juicy.