We have provided the following Frequently Asked Questions for your convenience. If you have a question that you do not see listed here, please visit Contact Us and send it to us via our online form and we will respond ASAP.
- Does National Raisin Company sell Muscat Raisins, Puffed Raisins or Seeded Raisins?
- How are raisins made?
- How many pounds of grapes does it take to make 1 pound of raisins?
- Why do some raisins have a different color?
- What is an Organic Raisin?
- Who certifies your organic raisins?
- Can I purchase 1 case of raisins via your Web site?
- Are your raisins Kosher Certified?
Does National Raisin Company sell Muscat Raisins, Puffed Raisins or Seeded Raisins?
Sorry, we do not offer Muscat type raisins. The product of Muscat Raisins is very limited. Most farmers do not grow the Muscat Variety because of its seeded characteristics. The predominant raisin variety produced and grown in California is seedless.
How are raisins made?
Most raisins are sun-dried grapes. The most common raisin produced is the Thompson Seedless variety. The grapes are harvested when they reach a minimum sugar content of 19% or higher. Harvest season starts around the end of August. Once the optimum sugar content is achieved, the grapes are promptly picked and laid-out on paper trays to sun-dry in the vineyards. It takes approximately three weeks for the grapes to dry. Grapes do not become raisins until their moisture content is reduced to about 15%.
How many pounds of grapes does it take to make 1 pound of raisins?
It takes about 4½ pounds of grapes to yield 1 pound of raisins.
Why do some raisins have a different color?
Raisin colors vary by drying process. For example, a dark purplish/black raisin is sun-dried. A light to medium brown raisin is mechanically dehydrated in special drying tunnels. A golden to bright yellow raisin is mechanically dried and treated with sulfur dioxide to retain color.
What is an Organic Raisin?
Organic Raisins are grown in grape vineyards that have had at least three consecutive growing seasons without the use of pesticides, herbicides or added fertilizers. Our organic raisins have extensive audit trail documentation to verify its authenticity of being organically grown, processed and shipped.
Who certifies your organic raisins?
Farm Verified Organic (FVO) and California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) certifies our organic raisins and processing facility. FVO and CCOF are independent third party certifiers.
Can I purchase 1 case of raisins via your Web site?
We're sorry, but we do not sell raisins directly to consumers via the Internet.
Are you raisins Kosher Certified?
Yes, all of our dried fruits are Kosher Certified by the Orthodox Union of New York.