Raisins “Red Black” (size 1)

Description

1. How it is grown and harvested: Uzbekistan is one of the world’s oldest grape-growing regions, and raisin making has been practised here for more than a thousand years. Dry air, little rainfall during the harvest season and long hours of sunshine allow grapes to be dried naturally with minimal risk of spoilage, which gives Uzbek raisins their reputation for clean, intense flavour. Red Black raisins are made from red and dark-skinned grape varieties grown in the vineyards of Uzbekistan. The grapes are harvested by hand at full maturity, when their colour and sugar content are fully developed, and dried naturally under the sun. Drying deepens the colour to dark red-brown and black and creates a firm, chewy raisin with a strong, sweet-tart grape flavour. Red and dark grape varieties are well adapted to the hot Central Asian climate, and their thicker skins help protect the berries during sun-drying, giving a robust raisin that stores well.

2. Processing and packaging details: The dried berries are de-stemmed, cleaned of stalks, dust and debris, washed and dried again, then sorted by size and condition. Defects and foreign matter are removed by machine and hand inspection. Red Black raisins are available in Size 1 and Size 4 calibres and are packed in food-grade liners inside export cartons for hygienic storage and transport. Store raisins in a cool, dry place (ideally 5–15 °C, relative humidity below 65%), away from direct sunlight and strong odours. Under these conditions the product keeps its quality for 12 months or more. Natural sugar crystallisation on the surface over time is normal and does not affect quality. Each lot can be supplied with export documentation, including a phytosanitary certificate and certificate of origin, on request.

3. Health benefits and nutrition: Dark-skinned grapes are naturally rich in pigments such as anthocyanins and other polyphenols with antioxidant properties. Red Black raisins also provide natural energy from fruit sugars, dietary fibre, potassium, iron and magnesium. They are a nutritious, natural sweetener and snack when eaten in moderate portions. They are naturally free of fat and cholesterol and suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets. With their strong flavour and attractive price, Red Black raisins are ideal for food manufacturing, bakery fillings, fruit breads, cereal bars, compotes, sauces and mixed dried-fruit products. They are also popular in budget-friendly retail packs.

Typical values. Sun-dried, no added sugar or colourants.