Currants vs Raisins

Currants and raisins have both similarities and differences. Currants are dried Black Corinth or Carina grapes. The grapes are small and seedless. About three weeks of drying time is required for the grapes to become what is known as currants. Currants are dark red and have a slightly chewy texture. Currants have an intense, tart flavor. Raisins are different varieties of grapes that have been dried for about three weeks. Typically, raisins are larger than currants. They are dark brown with a quirky, wrinkled texture. Raisins are soft, chewy and naturally sweet.

Nutritional Benefits of Currants and Raisins

Currants and raisins are very similar in nutritional value. They closely match in carbohydrate count, protein, fiber, sugar, potassium and vitamins C and K. A one-ounce serving of raisins has 95 calories compared to the 79 calories in the same size serving of currants. Both of these dried fruits contain no fat.

Health Benefits of Currants and Raisins

Currants and raisins are good sources of antioxidants that help protect against cancer and reduce inflammation. Both support digestive health and heart health. Incorporating raisins into your diet may help lower blood pressure and help in maintaining controlled blood sugar levels.

Cooking with Currants and Raisins

In some situations, currants and raisins can be used interchangeably in recipes. Either can be used as an added ingredient to oatmeal, trail mix, granola or many types of baked goods. Raisins and currants can be used in savory dishes as well as sweet treats. They can be enjoyed by the handful as a pick-me-up snack. Because of their sugar content, raisins and currants should be enjoyed in moderation. Although these two dried fruits are usually interchangeable in many recipes, there is an important difference to take note of that can impact the overall flavor of certain recipes. When a recipe instructs you to soak the raisins, you need to use raisins, not currants. Raisins soak up the flavor of whatever they are soaked in such as rum, bourbon or juice.