The California raisin industry offers a variety of products that are ideal for industrial users. Thompson Seedless raisins represent approximately 95% of the raisins produced in California. The majority of the Thompson Seedless grapes are naturally sun-dried to make California Natural Seedless Raisins. The remaining are mechanically dried and processed to make California Golden and California Dipped Seedless Raisins. In addition to these three products made from Thompson Seedless grapes, Sultana, Fiesta, Flame Seedless, Ruby Seedless, Monukka, Muscat, and Black Corinth grapes are also sun-dried and are available as Sultana, Fiesta, Flame, Ruby, Monukka and Muscat Raisins and as Zante Currants, respectively. Some Thompson Seedless raisins are further-processed into Raisin Paste and Raisin Juice Concentrate.

California Raisins

California Raisins are dried grapes of the Vitis vinifera Thompson Seedless variety. They are prepared from clean, sound, dried grapes that have been properly stemmed and capstemmed, then sorted, cleaned and thoroughly washed to assure a wholesome product.

Characteristics Physical Properties Specific gravity at 13-15% moisture  1.4-1.42   at 15-18% moisture  1.275   Weight per berry at 13-15% moisture  0.41-0.48g   Water Activity at 25ºC at 13-15% moisture  0.51-0.56   Loose and tapped bulky density Poured density  0.6-0.7g/ml  Tapped density  0.66-0.78 g/ml  Shear strength Maximum shear force  47-53 kg  Penetration force  151-171g Chemical Properties pH (2:1 dilution)  3.5-4.0  Acidity (as tartaric acid)  1.5-2.2%  Total reducing sugars  68-70g/100g  Glucose  31.7-33.1g/100g  Fructose  36.2-36.9g/100g  Sucrose  < 0.1g/100g  Fructose/Glucose  1.12-1.15 Microbiological Aspects E. Coli (MPN/g)  Negative  Salmonella  Negative  Applications Bakery  Extends the shelf-life of bread products Sweetens and colors natural baked goods A natural substitute for preservatives  Confectionery  A sugar substitute A filling for hard candies and molded chocolates  Snacks  Controls breakage in crisp cookies and crackers Maintains moisture in chewy cakes, soft cookies A natural binding agent in cereal bars  Dairy  Natural syrup for yogurts and ice cream Enhances the color and flavor of chocolate milk and ice cream  Condiments  Enhances the flavors of sauces All-natural coloring agent

 
Availability and Storage

California Raisins are shipped in poly-lined boxes. They are available in bulk packages of 30 lbs (13.6 kg) and other size cartons. This is ideal for purchase of full container load of approximately 17 metric tons per 20-foot ocean container, where 1,250 to 1, 800 cases are loaded, depending on the carton size. California raisins are available in a variety of snack and consumer size packs, too.

California Raisins keep best when stored in the original packaging at a temperature below 45°F (7.5°C) and a relative humidity of 45 to 55%. Once the package is opened, care should be exercised to close it tightly and/or provide air-tight protection against drying.

Composition

Nutrients
Energy	300Kcal
Water	15.4g
Proteins (N x 6.25)	3.3g
Carbohydrates (total by difference)	79.2g
Dietary Fiber	5.3g
Ash	1.8g
Fat (total lipids)	0.46g
Vitamins
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)	3.3mg
Thiamin	0.16mg
Riboflavin (by microbiological assay)	0.09mg
Niacin (by microbiological assay)	0.82mg
Pantothenic Acid	0.05mg
Vitamin B6	0.25mg
Folacin	3.30ug
Vitamin A	8.00 IU
Biotin	4.00ug
Minerals
Calcium	49.00mg
Copper	0.31mg
Iron	2.00mg
Magnesium	33.00mg
Manganese	0.31mg
Phosphorus	97.00mg
Potassium	751.00mg
Sodium	12.00mg
Zinc	0.27mg

Nutrients / 100g; g=gram; mg=milligram; ug=micrograms; Kcal=kilocalorie; IU = International Unit.

California Raisin Paste

Raisin paste is made from 100 percent raisins, produced by extruding raisins through a fine mesh screen. Raisin paste can be used to add visual appeal and flavor. It's a stable ingredient that sweetens naturally. Raisin paste is used in sundae-style yogurts and cottage cheese, as well as in ice cream and frozen novelties. It's also found in fruit-filled cereal products, granola bars and extruded breakfast cereals. Raisin paste has excellent sweetening capabilities in fine confectionery fillings and soft-center candies. In bakery items, such as breads, cookies and pastries, the paste inhibits mold, extends shelf life and enhances flavor.

Characteristics

Low water activity: 0.51-0.62

Moisture content: The moisture content of raisin paste greatly influences its spreading and handling characteristics.

Texture: The texture of raisin paste can be controlled by using different grinding conditions, a very fine and smooth product can be obtained, as well as a coarser paste. 

 

Availability and Storage

Raisin paste is available in 22.7 kg (50 lb.) poly lined cartons. Raisin paste can be stored at temperatures between 15º and 21ºC (60º and 70ºF), and should not be exposed to the air for extended periods of time. Cold storage and protection from insects are recommended for extended storage.

Raisin paste can be blended without liquid materials.

Applications	Benefits
Dairy Sundae-style/mixed types of yogurts, ice cream (as a swirl, a topping or in the mix), frozen novelties (centers), ice cream "bonbons," sundae style cottage cheese	Newtonian rhelogical properties   Adds visual appeal   Sweetens naturally, no additional sweeteners needed   Low microbiological counts, low pH, compatible with dairy cultures.
Confections and Snacks Fine confectionery fillings, chocolate "cups," chocolate covered granola bars, jelly candies, soft-center candies, fruit and nut clusters.	Low moisture activity and low pH, stable ingredient   High sweeting capabilities   All-natural ingredient   Extrudable   Compatible with a variety of flavors
Bakery Breads and all-natural bakery items, double textured cookies and pastries, toaster pastries, soft cookies, Danish, multi-layer cakes and mini-loaves.	Shelf-extension properties; humectant   All-natural mold inhibitor   Extricable, pumpable   Enhances other flavors, compatible with other flavors.
Cereals and Cereal-based Products Fruit-filled cereals, nuggets, granola bars, muesli logs, extruded breakfast cereals.	Low moisture activity, shelf stable   Extricable   All-natural intense sweetener   Adjustable moisture content   Available in a variety of colors; golden to dark brown   High in fiber

 

Composition

Nutrients:
Water	15.4 g
Proteins	3.3 g
Lipids	0.4 g
Carbohydrates including fiber:	79.2 g  5.3 g
Ash	1.8 g
Nutrients 100g / Energy: 300 Kcal/100 g
Minerals:
Calcium	49.00 mg
Copper	00.31 mg
Iron	2.08 mg
Magnesium	33.00 mg
Manganese	0.31 mg
Phosphorous	97.00 mg
Potassium	751.00 mg
Sodium	12.00 mg
Zinc	0.27 mg
Vitamins:
Ascorbic Acid	3.30 mg
Thiamin	0.16 mg
Riboflavin	0.09 mg
Niacin	0.82 mg
Pantothenic Acid	0.05 mg
Vitamin B6	0.25 mg
Folacin	3.30 ug
Vitamin A	8.00 IU
Vitamin E	0.70 mg
Biotin	4.00 ug
Nutrients / 100g; g=gram; mg=milligram; ug=micrograms; Kcal=kilocalorie; IU = International Unit.

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