What is the Difference Between Raisins and Sultanas?

The main difference between raisins and sultanas lies in the type of grape and the processing method used. Here are the key differences:

• Raisins: These are dried white grapes, predominantly of the Muscatel variety. They are dark in color, have a soft texture, and a sweet flavor. Raisins are made from larger grape varieties, including Muscat, Lexia, and Waltham Cross, and are often larger than sultanas and currants.
• Sultanas: These are small raisins made from green seedless grapes, particularly the Thompson Seedless variety. Sultanas are seedless, sweet, pale golden in color, and come mainly from Turkey. They are typically smaller than raisins and are sweeter, juicier, and lighter in color than both raisins and currants. Sultanas are often coated in an oil-based solution prior to drying to speed up the process, which makes them lighter in color than raisins and currants.

In the US, the term "raisin" is applied to both raisins and sultanas, with sultanas sometimes referred to as "golden" raisins. In most other countries, including the UK, raisins and sultanas are differentiated by the type of grape and the processing method used.

Comparative Table: Raisins vs Sultanas

Here is a table comparing the differences between raisins and sultanas:

Both raisins and sultanas are dried grapes, but they are made from different types of grapes and are processed differently. Raisins are made from a variety of grape species and are dark in color, while sultanas are made from seedless green grapes and are lighter in color due to the oil-based solution used in the drying process. Sultanas are also smaller, sweeter, and have a softer and juicier texture compared to raisins.