California Raisin Harvest Tour
How much do you know about raisins? Think you know a lot, right? I mean, what is there to know about raisins, after all? They’re just shriveled, dried grapes. Or so I used to think, but you don’t know what you don’t know as they say. I recently headed down to Fresno, CA to see the raisin harvest in progress and I learned a great deal. That little shriveled grape? He’s a pretty interesting guy with a remarkable history. He also happens to score very well in the nutrition department. Okay, so he’s not exactly low carb, but he is healthy and gluten free. Our house is almost never without raisins as it is, but now I am even more keen on keeping them around, for both the kids and the adults.
You will be hearing a fair bit from me about this tiny powerhouse over the coming months. As part of the California Raisins campaign, I get to work with some other wonderful bloggers, as well as with Relish Magazine (keep your eyes out for a recipe contest!) and the wonderful people at the California Raisins Marketing Board. And I plan on bringing you some innovative raisin dishes, including some low carb recipes. You know me, my little mind has been whirring from the get go.
Snap Happy Foodblogger Meredith Steele
Hand-picked raisins drying in the sun
The Harvest Tour itself was so much fun. We had a chance to taste raisins right off the vine, as well as having a blind taste test of many varieties at the Circle K Ranch. Ron Kazarian, the owner of Circle K, played tour guide and patient teacher to our blogger group. Did you know that raisins are dried entirely in the California sun? It’s one of those things I never even thought about, really, but it was a surprise to hear that they aren’t at all mechanically dehydrated. There are two methods of sun-drying; one is to pick clusters of grapes and lay them on paper on the ground by the vines, facing the sun. The other, a newer and perhaps more productive method, is to let them dry completely on the vine (DOV or dried on vine).
Ron of Circle K Ranch
Raisin Tasting – 12 different varieties
We also got a chance to visit the National Raisin Company packing plant, one the main packing facilities in Fresno. We saw the raisins from the whole cleaning and sorting process through to packing and shipping. I got a kick out of seeing boxes with the logos of my local grocery stores and wholesalers, waiting to be shipped. We also had a lovely lunch and nutritional talk at the California Raisins Marketing Board (CRMB) headquarters. More on that later, because I’d like to devote more time to the nutrition of raisins in another post.
Dried On Vine Raisins
We also got to see almonds still on the tree. I heart almonds!
Finally, we ended the day at the beautiful home of Dennis and Janelle Wilt. Dennis’s family has been in the raisin farming business for over 100 years, and he also happens to be the Chair of the CRMB. Our hosts were truly delightful and a delicious gourmet meal was prepared for us by Chef Mike Siegel. And yes, raisins were part of the menu. The hospitality we received was incomparable, and it certainly didn’t hurt that we dined al fresco, surrounded by rows upon rows of vines.
All dressed up among the almond trees
Dinner in the heart of California Raisin Country
So you can see why I have a new-found appreciation for raisins. I always rather thought of them as the workhorse of dried fruits, pleasant enough but not necessarily that interesting. Now, however, I can see their wonderful range of variation, how they can be used in so many sweet and savoury recipes, and that they are quite the nutritional powerhouse. I’m sold. Viva La Raisin!
Dried On Vine Raisins
Brian @ A Thought For Food says
Looks like an awesome trip and it’s so cool to see raisins still on the vine!
[email protected] says
Raisins are amazing little energy powerhouses, aren’t they? California at harvest time is a miracle; glad you got to see it. Waiting for a few recipes, now…
Jeanette says
What a fun trip Carolyn – I love that photo of you along the almond trees. How interesting, never knew how raisins were dried – like the ones dried right on the tree.
claire @ the realistic nutritionist says
you are so pretty!! and how fun, I Love raisins!
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc. says
so much fun! Looks like a blast
Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies says
What a great trip! And I have to say, I’m really surprised that they actually dry raisins in the sun–I figured it was done with some kind of dehydrating machine too!
[email protected] says
Awesome, I love raisins and I can’t wait for the posts to come with more information on their powerful nutrition…oh, yes and the recipes!!! Beautiful picture of you as well!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
Amazing trip — I’ve never seen raisins on the vine before 🙂
Parsley Sage says
Excite! What an incredible opportunity! I have given zero thought to the life of a raisin before. It has quite an interesting story 🙂 I’m looking forward to seeing what you’ve got in store for these little yummies
Lauren at Keep It Sweet says
What a great trip and great way to learn more about the company. Love that cute photo of you!
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says
Great news Carolyn! I’m glad that you get to be a part! 🙂
Lisa | With Style and Grace says
you’re so adorable! looks like a great trip – love the simple sweetness of raisins!
Jennifer Eloff says
Love raisins and I use California raisins as well – even here in the tropics I can buy them and I do! I don’t know where you find the energy to do all you do – must be all that running! You look gorgeous, Carolyn, and I like your pretty, summery dress. You cut your hair! It looks good on you though.
Kim Bee says
This is so cool. I can just imagine the taste of the ones drying in the sun. I’m a sultana girl, something about them just speaks to me.
And on a side note, seriously want to look like you when I grow up. You look gorgeous in your sundress.
janelle says
LOVE it! Such good memories—and I am thrilled that I get to see you again soon!