Difference: currants - raisins - sultanas - Zibeben

Currants, raisins, sultanas and Zibeben are so the same and yet so different. We will explain the terms in the following article so that you know about the small but subtle difference between dried grapes in the future.

Raisins and sultanas: what's the difference?

• Raisins are generally just dried grapes. However, the raisins, like the currants, sultanas and zibbes, are a separate variety. Raisins dry around a week under the Turkish sun, which gives them a rather dark color and is therefore relatively cheap.
• In contrast to raisins, sultanas are "dipped". The Sultana grapes are sprayed with a mixture of potash and olive oil, so that the outer skin dissolves. Thus, the sultanas dry in 3 to 5 days. Sultanas are usually a little lighter than raisins, and some varieties are even strikingly yellow due to the addition of sulfur.

Currants & Zibeben: Where are the differences?

• The currants come from the Greek Korinthiaki grape variety, but do not necessarily come from Greece. Since the grapes are comparatively small, the currants are the smallest type of raisin. The color also helps to differentiate, currants are usually purple to black.
• In southern Germany and Austria, the term Zibebe is still sometimes used as a synonym for raisins. Zibeben, however, are grapes dried on the vine. However, the slightly reddish berries are hardly produced for retail, but are used almost exclusively for fruit wines.

Next we will show you the best tips for homemade granola, with or without raisins, currants, sultanas and zibbes.