SULTANAS - İZMIR ÜZÜMÜ (GRAPE OF İZMIR)

Sultanas also known as izmir üzümü (grape of izmir) in turkey since this variety has been extensively grown in the region around izmir. 

Sultanas are made from green seedless grapes, particularly the Thompson Seedless variety. Unlike raisins, sultanas are typically coated in an oil-based solution prior to drying to speed up the process. For this reason, they are often lighter in color than raisins and currants.

(From Chelmer Foods archive. August 2020)

In Australia, some sultanas are made without the drying solution. These grapes take longer to dry — up to three weeks — and are dark brown in color. They are often referred to as “natural” sultanas. In the US, sultanas are referred to as “golden raisins” or “sultana raisins.” These grapes are treated with a preservative called sulphur dioxide to retain the lighter colour of the grape. Sultanas are typically smaller than raisins and are sweeter, juicer and lighter in colour than both raisins and currants.