<p>These high-quality raisins are dehydrated Thomson Seedless Grapes with less than 19% moisture by weight. They are a dark black raisin with a wrinkled surface, soft texture, and sweet flavor.</p> <p>Almost all raisins produced in California are made from Thomson Seedless Grapes because the grapes are high-quality, with smooth flavor and uniform sweetness. Other names for the Thomson Seedless include Sultana, Sultanina, Lady de Coverly, and Kishmish. Whatever the name, these grapes are known by all. They were first grown in Asia during the Ottoman Empire, and have since been cultivated around the world from Europe, to America, to Australia. They are small, oval, and pale green in color with delicious sweet juicy meat and a satisfying snap from the skin when bitten. They are common table grapes.</p> <p>Raisins have a long history, showing up as one of the first preserved fruits in Ancient Roman, Greek, and Egyptian cultures. In Rome, raisins became so highly valued that people traded them like currency. They were prized for their high nutrient content and easy long lasting shelf life.</p> <p>Today raisins can be enjoyed alone or covered in chocolate, or prepared in sweet and savory dishes. Bake them into baked goods like cinnamon raisin bread, oatmeal raisin cookies, raisin bran muffins, and more. Eat them for breakfast in oatmeal or for dessert in bread pudding. Enhance stuffings, salads, and rice pilaf with raisins. Their uses are varied and extensive.</p>