Dried Raisins | No Sugar Added

Sold in 14 oz., 2 lb. and 4 lb. Options in Re-Sealable bags.

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Ingredients: Raisins, Sunflower Oil (anti-sticking agent).

Ingredient Country of Origin: South Africa and/or United States.

Allergen Declaration Statement: Free from; Gluten, Wheat, Legume Family {Peanuts, Soy beans, lentils, chickpeas, and lupin, beans (kidney, black, pinto, navy, string, fava), and peas (green, split, black-eyed), plus others like mung beans, adzuki, and tamarind}, Tree Nuts {almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, brazil nuts, pine nuts, & coconut}, Shellfish aquatic invertebrates (crab, lobster, shrimp, prawns, crayfish), Crustaceans mollusks (clams, mussels, oysters, scallops, squid, octopus, snails), Fish {vertebrates having a backbone} , Sesame, Milk/Dairy, Eggs, Mustard, Sulfur Dioxide, Potassium Sorbate.

Packaging Procedure: Hand Packaged on dedicated Gerbs equipment Johnston, RI.

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Introducing Gerbs Thompson Raisins (No Sugar Added)

OVERVIEW OF GERBS RAISINS

Raisins are dried grapes, a naturally sweet fruit created by dehydrating grapes in the sun or a dehydrator, concentrating their sugars, nutrients, and energy. They range in color from golden to dark brown or black, depending on the grape variety and drying method, and are used in snacks, baked goods, and savory dishes, offering fiber, potassium, and iron.

Key Characteristics

• Origin: Dried grapes, with the word coming from the French “raisin sec” (dried grape).
• Production: Grapes (often Thompson Seedless in the US) are dried in the sun or mechanically, shrinking and sweetening as water evaporates.
• Types:
  • Natural Raisins: Sun-dried, resulting in dark, sweet, chewy morsels.
  • Golden Raisins (Sultanas): Treated with sulfur dioxide and machine-dried for a bright, golden color.
  • Currants: Dried Black Corinth grapes, smaller and more intense in flavor.
• Nutrition: Nutrient-dense due to concentrated sugars but also rich in fiber, iron, potassium, and antioxidants.
• Usage: Eaten as a snack, mixed into cereal, oatmeal, or baked into cookies and breads.

How They Differ from Grapes

• Concentrated Flavor: Drying removes water, intensifying sweetness and flavor.
• Energy-Dense: Higher in calories and sugar than fresh grapes.
• Nutrient Boost: Better source of fiber, iron, and potassium than their fresh counterparts.

HOW GERBS RAISINS ARE MADE

Thompson Seedless raisins are grown primarily in California, USA, and dried naturally under the hot, dry sun, either on paper trays on the vineyard floor (for dark “natural” raisins) or in dehydrators (for “golden” raisins), utilizing the versatile, sweet, green grape developed from William Thompson’s cuttings in the 1870s.

Where They’re Grown

• California, USA: This region produces nearly 90% of U.S. raisins from the Thompson Seedless variety, requiring long, hot, dry summers for optimal sugar development.
• Global Presence: While the U.S. leads, other major producers include Turkey and Iran, also using Thompson Seedless grapes.

How They’re Grown & Dried

1. Planting: Thompson Seedless vines are planted and managed, requiring standard vineyard practices (irrigation, pruning, pest control).
2. Harvesting: Grapes are harvested when highly mature (around 23° Brix sugar level) for best quality.
3. Drying Methods:

• Sun-Drying (Naturals): Grapes are laid on paper trays between the rows to dry in the sun for 17-21 days, turning them dark brown.
• Dehydration (Goldens): Grapes are treated with sulfur dioxide and dried in dehydrators for a uniform, light golden color.
• Vine Drying: Some are left on the vine to dry, resulting in plump, juicy raisins, according to California Grown.

1. Versatility: The grape’s thin skin and sweetness make it ideal for raisins, table grapes, wine, and juice concentrate, earning it the nickname “the three-way grape”.

KEY HEALTH BENEFITS of GERBS RAISINS

Raisins offer key benefits like supporting heart health (lowering blood pressure/cholesterol via potassium/antioxidants), aiding digestion (fiber for regularity), boosting energy (natural sugars), strengthening bones (calcium, boron, magnesium), and preventing anemia (iron, copper). They’re packed with antioxidants and essential minerals, making them a nutritious snack, but moderation is key due to their sugar content.

Cardiovascular Health

• Lowers Blood Pressure: Potassium and antioxidants help reduce blood vessel stiffness.
• Manages Cholesterol: Polyphenols and fiber help maintain stable cholesterol levels.

Digestive Health 

• Relieves Constipation: High fiber content promotes regular bowel movements.
• Supports Gut: Tartaric acid and fiber work together for a healthy digestive system.

Energy & Blood 

• Natural Energy Boost: Quick energy from natural sugars (fructose, glucose).
• Fights Anemia: Iron and copper support red blood cell production.

Bone & Teeth Health

• Stronger Bones: Calcium, magnesium, and boron aid bone formation and density.
• Dental Protection: Phytochemicals like oleanolic acid may help protect teeth.

Other Benefits

• Antioxidant Power: Rich in polyphenols (like resveratrol) and antioxidants that fight inflammation and cell damage.
• Skin Health: Antioxidants may support collagen and protect skin.

HOW TO COOK & INCORPORATE GERBS RAISINS INTO YOUR DIET

You can cook and incorporate raisins by soaking them to plump, tossing in flour to prevent sinking in batters, and adding them to both sweet (oatmeal, cookies, yogurt) and savory dishes (curries, tagines, salads) for a burst of sweetness and texture, often paired with nuts, spices, or meats. They’re great for quick snacks (trail mix), breakfast (muesli), and even in main courses like stews and rice dishes.

How to Cook & Prepare Raisins

1. Plump them: Soak in warm water, juice, or even rum for 10-15 minutes to rehydrate and enhance flavor.
2. Prevent sinking: Toss raisins in a little flour before adding to batters for cakes or muffins.
3. Soak overnight: For a healthy morning routine, soak in water and eat with the water on an empty stomach for skin and digestion.

How to Incorporate Raisins into Your Diet

• Breakfast: Mix into oatmeal, yogurt, granola, or cereal; add to muffin/quick bread batter.
• Snacks: Create homemade trail mix with nuts and seeds; add to energy bars; eat plain.
• Savory Dishes: Stir into curries, tagines, chicken dishes, meatloaf, or stuffing.
• Salads: Add to green salads, broccoli salad, or carrot salad for sweetness.
• Baked Goods: Include in spice cakes, cookies, scones, or raisin bread.
• Desserts: Fold into rice pudding, custards, or top pancakes/baked apples.

Flavor Pairings

• Spices: Curry, cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon.
• Fruits & Nuts: Apples, berries, almonds, walnuts, pine nuts, peanuts.
• Liquids: Brandy, rum, lemon juice, orange juice.
• Meats: Chicken, pork, beef.

Order now and Taste the Goodness of Gerbs!

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Storage Recommendations

For the best flavor and freshness, we recommend storing your Gerbs in an airtight container in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet, away from sunlight and heat sources like the oven.

Each time the container is opened, oxygen sneaks in and can speed up rancidity, so try to keep only about one pound of product accessible at a time.

While Gerbs can be frozen, we don’t recommend it. Freezing and thawing can change the natural cell structure, which may affect texture and taste. Keep them cool, dry, and sealed tight for the best experience!