National Raisin Day

Raisins are small types of raisins. While sunlight dries most grapes naturally in the vineyard, some grapes are mechanically dehydrated. April 30th recognizes another culinary holiday known as National Raisins Day.

When it comes to raisins, there are generally two groups of people: those who love them and those who believe they spoil an absolutely delicious cinnamon bun. But whether you find these wrinkled fruits irresistible or believe they're supposed to bask in the sun where people find them, it's hard to deny the impact these sweet snacks have on your health with history, popular culture and food. We are celebrating National Raisins Day on April 30th.

History of National Raisin Day

People have enjoyed raisins as long as the grapes are growing. Raisins are naturally low in fat and packed with healthy nutrients. California produces the majority of the world's supply of raisins.

Besides, baked products, raisins can be used for making wine. Moreover, grapes are a ingredient in order to make raisins AND wine. However, in this case, we can also make wine from raisins! So, technically, a raisin date can also be considered a wine date.

California raisin growers promoted the first National Raisin Day in 1909. They advertise in newspapers and on the radio, handing out flyers door-to-door to this day. The ads include recipes, deals, and announcements reminding people to celebrate National Raisins Day on Friday, April 30th. As the day dawns, restaurants, food carts, hotels and steamships across the country include treats with dried fruit. Schools, local and state governments have provided education and information about the quality of California raisins and their health benefits. What started out slowly quickly exploded into an annual event.

We are provided some family photos during the 1924 Raisin Day Parade in Fresno, California. June Eidson's grandmother and great-grandmother were on another float during the parade. She writes:

“I first found it in one of the scrapbooks of Euphasia Sereptha Gilstrap Pemberton / William Frederick Pemberton's, my great grandparents. She worked as a cook on several ranches across California while he served as ranch foreman for Miller & Lux, Estrella, Burrel, and others, as well as cattle inspector and head of hoof eradication for Tuolumne County. They also have a store in Berenda with the only phone in the area when their girls are in their teens.”

Some reasons for National Raisin Day being loved

• Natural jelly beans?

Probably raisins can contain up to 72% sugar by weight, making them a sweet and comforting snack. But unlike jelly, raisins have some nutritional value. They boast cancer-fighting antioxidants, provide an excellent source of fiber, and are cholesterol-free.

• Raisins complete everything

Raisin and oat biscuits are one of the culinary world's great pairings, but it's just one of many. Some other fan favorites: rugelach, cinnamon raisin bread, raisin rum ice cream, and trail mix.

• Welcome to Selma

More than half of the raisins in the world come from California. Although Napa is known worldwide for its wine-producing grapes, the raisin capital of the Golden State is actually Selma—just southeast of Fresno.

How to celebrate National Raisin Day

• Eat sweets with every meal

For breakfast, why not a few cinnamon rolls with raisins? For lunch, make a nice Waldorf salad and trade those grapes for some sun-dried variety. Finally, why not start the dinner with some pudding?

• Make your own

All you need is some grapes from your local grocery store and sunny, dry weather. First, take a red or green grape and remove the large stem on the fruit. Next, place the grapes on a rack and leave them in the sun for a few days. Finally, put the chopped grapes in an airtight container and you've got a snack of the same name!

• Watch "Meet the Raisins" (1998)

It received the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program. Then why not fully release on Rais-a-Thon after the sequel - "Raisins: Sold Out!" Don't forget Raisinets!