What are the differences between California Natural Seedless Raisins (the dark ones) and California Golden Seedless Raisins (the light ones)?
A. California Natural Seedless Raisins (California Naturals) are naturally sun-dried. They are made from Thompson Seedless Grapes. The grapes are laid on brown, craft paper trays between the vineyard rows and allowed to dry in the sun when harvested. The oxidation and caramelization of the sugars during this process result in the raisins’ natural dark brown to black exterior. California Golden Seedless Raisins are also made from Thompson Seedless Grapes but are dried mechanically. The grapes are picked from the vine and first washed in a clean water bath and then in hot water to soften the skins. The clean bunches of grapes are laid on wooden racks and sent through gas-heated tunnel dryers where hot air is forced in and around the racks. While drying, the grapes are exposed to sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas to prevent oxidation and caramelization, allowing the raisins to dry to their characteristic golden color. Sulfur is labeled on California Golden Seedless Raisin packages.
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