Organic Black Corinth Raisins

History

Corinth grapes are one of the oldest-known grape species. 

There is a lot of confusion about what to call this grape variety, whether currants, Corinth or Zakynthos grapes.

The term ‘currant’ has been used from the beginning to describe these small berries but in fact it is not a berry, like currant, but belongs to the family of Vitis vinifera. Already in the year 75 B.C., Pliny wrote about a small Greek vine with very sweet grapes featuring particularly thin skin and very small clusters. Traces were lost until the eleventh century, when the trade of this type of grapes between Greek and Venetian producers began. From 1334 to 1377 there are reports of the presence of the Reysyns de Corauntz in the English markets. The name Corinth grape began to be used in 1500. The word ‘currant' gradually evolved to become Corinth, the name of the port from which the first supplies of this fruit began to reach Western Europe. 

However, from the early 1700s, its trade began to have as a starting point the Ionian islands of Greece: the cargoes started from the islands, in particular from Zakynthos, from which the traditional trade name for this variety, Zante currant, derived. The name ‘Black Corinth’ is considered the most correct in English literature. The term ‘Black’ sets this species apart from other very similar ones, such as the White Corinth and the Red Corinth grapes. 

The Corinth grape is known in France by the name Corinthe Noir and in Italy it is called Passolina and Passerina. 

The introduction of Corinth grapes in the United States dates back to 1854, but initially it was not very successful. The real spread began in 1901, when David Fairchild, commissioned by the USDA, began importing cuttings from the Greek village of Panariti. Interest in this variety grew slowly but surely as cultivation techniques were refined. 

Raisins, although a particularly sweet food, not only do not cause cavities but help to prevent it thanks also to the great content of a variety of antioxidants that inhibit Streptococcusmutans, the bacterium that is one of the primary causes of tooth decay. In addition, thanks to the great content of beneficial substances, these grapes improve blood glucose control (useful for those who are diabetic, but not only) and is useful for weight loss and weight control. 

The positive conclusions on raisins and their consumption are part of a revised study published in the Journal of Food Science and conducted by a team of researchers including correspondent Dr. Ashley R. Waters from Eastern Illinois University (USA). The review was based on about 80 studies and results show how eating raisins can reduce the risk of developing diabetes and help improve eating habits. 

For proper nutrition, an analysis of the "National Health Examination Survey” (NHANES), whose data refer to the years 2003-2008, was conducted to compare the effects on children and adult consumers of grapes and derivatives with those on non-consumers. Here the results revealed that both children and adults who consumed products made from grapes (fresh grapes, raisins, grape juice) had a higher total intake of other types of fruit, green/dark orange vegetables, and key nutrients like fibre, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, compared to those who did not consume products derived from grapes. But not only that: those who consumed grape products also took less fat, added sugar and alcohol, resulting in lower calories. 

Instead of unhealthy snacks, it would be thus better to turn to a raisin-based snack. 

In essence, grapes and its derivatives can be a good option that can act beneficially on health. Let us not forget that grape skin contains the famous resveratrol, the well-known antioxidant that is believed to be an anti-aging miracle. 

Source: 

Christensen, L. Peter (2000). Raisin Production Manual. ANR Publications. p. 40. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zante_currant 

The advice provided SHOULD IN NO WAY BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE OR PRESCRIPTION. The information provided shall be considered for informative and educational purposes only, it is not intended to replace medical advice. In case of a medical condition, always consult your doctor. 

Properties

According to our analyses, 100 g organic Black Corinth raisins contain:

• Vitamin K (14 µg — 19% of NRV) 
• Manganese (0.52 mg — 26% of NRV) 
• Potassium (727 mg — 36% of NRV) 
• Copper (0.39 mg – 39% of NRV)
• Fibre (4.1 g)

Dose recommendations

Each pack of 1kg g of organic Black Corinth raisins contains about 34 servings of 30g. You can have daily benefits by the intake of:

• about 38 g of Copper
• about 42 g of Potassium.

Individual needs will vary according to age, gender, weight and physical activity. A varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are the basis of your well-being.

Affordable price

Affordable price means to us offering our clients organic Black Corinth raisins with no added sugar - containing natural sugar - that everybody can enjoy. 

On one hand, we want to place the right value on raw materials in order to obtain a quality product by paying our farmers a fair price; on the other hand, we want to fulfil your needs when it comes to pricing.

We establish fair long-term relationships with our producers to avoid race-to-the-bottom pricing and that are based on trust as part of our efforts to offer you the finest and most natural product.

Not only that: by choosing large packs of Black Corinth raisins, you are also contributing to the reduction in the use of plastic.

Storage

You can store organic Black Corinth raisins in cool, dry places away from heat and moisture. Here are 4 useful tips:

• The best way to store organic Black Corinth raisins is in a refrigerated environment. Nuturally organic Black Corinth raisins can also be stored at room temperature during the winter season due to low temperatures. During summer, however, it is advisable to store the product in the refrigerator or in the coolest possible environment, as increased temperatures could encourage decay.
• The ideal container for the storage of organic Black Corinth raisins is glass. Indeed, because of its composition it is impervious to chemical agents and gases, and, as it has excellent insulation properties, it holds the initial temperature for longer than other materials. It is even better if the glass is coloured: using coloured glass blocks the entry of certain wavelengths of light (including ultraviolet), and thus certain nutritional and organoleptic characteristics remain unaltered. 
• The type of closure of the container is also important as an airtight cap ensures that the food is protected from excessive contact with oxygen, that is fundamental for aerobic bacteria.
• The best kind of storage environment is one which is well ventilated because ventilating the premises keeps internal humidity under control, which otherwise could escape from windows, thereby guaranteeing the right balance to lessen the onset of mould