RAISINS. The dried fruits of severalvarie ties of the vine are called raisins. They are named after the countries where they are pro duced, or the places whence they are im ported; as Malaga, Valencia, and Smyrna. The peculiar small and generally seedless grapes, formerly called Corinths, are now better known as the dried or Zante Currants of the shops.
There are many modes of preparing the raisins. One is to dry the grapes, after being cut when fully ripe, by exposure to the heat of the sun on a floor of hard earth or of stone. Another method is to cut the stalk half-way through when the grapes are nearly ripe, and leave them suspended till the watery part is evaporated; the flow of sap is in a great mea sure prevented from entering the fruit, in consequence of the incision, and whilst eva poration continues to go on undiminished, desiccation must take place. The currant grapes are gathered in the end of August and beginning of September. Rains often spoil the crop when they occur at the time of gather ing or drying. The fruit, when sufficiently dry, is separated from the stalks by small rakes, and afterwards stored in magazines, seraglie,' constructed somewhat like a lime kiln, having an opening at top, where the fruit is put in, and a door at bottom, opened only at the time of sale. The fruit is ren
dered so compact by its own weight, that con siderable force is requisite to break it up for the purpose of being packed in the large casks in which it is exported.
The Malaga raisins are esteemed the finest; and the muscatels from thence exceed all others in price. The black Smyrna raisins are those of least value. The white grape of Alexandria furnishes very fine raisins. An oil exists in the seeds of the grape, in the propor tion of 12 pounds of oil to 100 pounds of seeds. Though it is not obtained without difficulty, it is extracted in Italy in large quantity. When heat is used it has a harsh taste, and is mostly used for burning ; but when cold-drawn, it may be used for food. Tannin of the purest kind may be obtained from the seeds of the grape.
Nearly all the raisins imported into this country are from Spain and Turkey. Of the total quantity imported, 99 per cent. is from these countries, namely, 64 per cent. from Spain, and 35 per cent. from Turkey. A small supply is received from Portugal, Italy, and the Cape of Good Hope. The raisins im ported in the last three years amounted to 1848 239,668 cwts.
1849 209,180 „ 1850 276,312 „