About Sultanas

Sultanas are a type of white, seedless grape of Turkish or Persian origin. Tt is also the name given to the raisin made from it; such sultana raisins are often called simply sultanas or sultanis. These are typically larger than the currants made from Zante grapes, but smaller than "normal" raisins.

Sultanas have a delicate and unique flavor and are noted for their high levels of Vitamins B1 and 2. Sultanas also contain minerals.

Sultanas were traditionally imported to the English-speaking world from the Ottoman Empire, hence the name sultana, from the feminine form of sultan. Turkey and Australia are major producers of Sultanas.

Sources of confusion are that not all speakers of English make clear distinctions between different types of dried grapes (raisins, sultanas, currants), and that golden-coloured raisins made from other grape varieties may be marketed as sultanas. In addition, virtually all California raisins are produced from the Thompson Seedless grape, even those which, because of different drying processes, are not golden like the traditional sultana raisin. The term sultana is not commonly used to refer to any type of raisin in American English; as most American raisins are from sultana grapes, they are called simply raisins or golden raisins, according to colour.

As well as serving as a snack food without further processing, sultanas are used in a variety of dishes, often prepared by soaking in water, fruit juice, or alcohol.