How to Make Grapes Into Raisins at Home

Combine grapes with sunshine for a tasty homemade snack

Raisins are a staple of children's lunchboxes and make a tasty, healthy treat for every member of the family. The idea is simple: dehydrate grapes. If you're using a food dehydrator, follow its manufacturer's instructions for drying fruit. If you don't have a food dehydrator, you can still create raisins at home using the power of the sun.

Things You'll Need

• Seedless grapes, red or green
• Cookie sheet
• Paper towels or dish towel
• Plastic food storage bags or lidded containers

Instructions

1. Prepare grapes by thoroughly rinsing and drying them. Remove them from their stems.

2. Arrange individual grapes in a single layer on the cookie sheet. Cover with a dish towel or two layers of paper towels.

3. Place the cookie sheet outside in direct sunlight. Check your grapes every day for progress. After about a week, you'll find sweet, tender raisins instead of plump, juicy grapes.

4. Protect your raisins from spoilage or staleness by placing them in securely fastened plastic food storage bags or tightly lidded containers. For best quality, keep them in a cool, dry spot or refrigerate them. Freeze raisins that you do not intend to eat within one week.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a picnic screen to protect your grapes from flying pests. If it's windy outside, weigh down your dish towel or paper towels with small stones or pieces of silverware. Experiment with other fruits for potentially delicious surprises.

References

• Reach Out! of Michigan
• Slashfood