Sultanas or raisins

[Chealehay]

Hi,
I've noticed that some recipes call for raisins and some for sultanas, some ask for both, but is there much difference in what they give to the wine?
Can they be swapped? On looking up just says raisins are from the 'Muscatel' grape and sultanas from seedless grapes.
How come currants don't seem to be used?
Also for wine making is there any differences in using the cheap own brand ones and the branded ones at 3 times the price?

 

[Moley]

As I understand it, sultanas are dried white grapes and raisins are dried red grapes. Currants are slightly different but still from the same family.

Raisins have a bit more clout. Use whichever you fancy, although I don't think I've ever used currants. I've got nothing in particular against currants, so I will have to investigate that one.

I only buy the ‘value’ packs, but rinse them well before use.

 

[Chealehay]

From what Ive read so far both sultanas and raisins are from white grapes, raisins from 'Muscatel' and sultanas from seedless ones, and currants from red grapes. So I would have thought that currants would be used for red wines.

 

[Samarith]

Currants are generic dried red grapes.

Raisins are generic dried white grapes.

Sultanas are dried sultana grapes, a specific variety originating in the Ottoman (Turkish) region but they have been adapted to grow in a variety of regions now. Much like Perry is only made from Perry Pears, Sultanas are only made with Sultana grapes but many similar varieties are sold under the name.

Probably more than anyone needed or wanted to know. :rofl:

 

[Barkie]

Probably more than anyone needed or wanted to know. :rofl:

Hmmm, :wha: I maybe didn't need to but I did want to know :clap:



Chealehay --

I use 'Value' in cooking and don't think there is a noticeable difference in flavour. They might be smaller (resists saying 'it's what you do with them that matters') that's all. :whistle:

I think all will have sulphite in, so, yeah, a good wash.