04/29/2026
Tomorrow is National Raisin Day!
Raisins are simply dried grapes, and people have been making them for thousands of years. Evidence of raisin production dates back to around 2000 B.C. in ancient Persia and Egypt. Because they were portable, long-lasting, and naturally sweet, raisins became a valuable food for travelers, soldiers, and traders.
In the United States, National Raisin Day was first promoted by California raisin growers in 1909.
Raisin are surprisingly nutritious:
Naturally fat-free
A good source of fiber
Rich in antioxidants
Contain iron, potassium, and copper
Six FUN FACTS about raisins:
1. Ancient Romans valued raisins so highly that they used them as prizes in sporting events and for barter.
2. Raisins may have been discovered by accident when grapes were left to dry on the vine.
3. They can be up to 70% sugar by weight, but that sugar is naturally occurring.
4. The word “raisin” comes from the Latin racemus, meaning “a cluster of grapes or berries.”
5. In 1873, a California heat wave dried grapes on the vine, inspiring growers to market them as a specialty food.
6. Raisins come in several colors—golden, black, green, and red—depending on the grape variety and drying method.
Ways to celebrate...
Bake oatmeal raisin cookies
Add raisins to trail mix or salads
Make classic “ants on a log” (celery, peanut butter, and raisins)
Try raisin bread or rice pudding
Host a blind taste test of different raisin varieties
And if someone tells you they don’t like raisins, just say you’re raisin awareness.
How do you enjoy your raisins?
