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Sun-Maid Raisins & Dried FruitsOne hundred years in the making, Sun-Maid’s century of experienceanswers all your questions on raisins and dried fruits—their uniquecharacteristics, their history, and how they are grown, processed,marketed, and enjoyed throughout the world.Printed in U.S.AServing American Families& the World Since 1912 35.00 USARaisins & Dried FruitsServing American Families & the World Since 1912
Raisins & Dried FruitsServing American Families & the World Since 1912
Sun-Maid growers of californiaSun-Maid creative teamAnna L. Palecek Barry F. KriebelGary H. Marshburn13525 South Bethel AvenueKingsburg, CA 93631-9232Tel: 1-559-896-8000Email: smaid@sunmaid.comWebsite: www.sunmaid.comSpecial thanks to Jerry Winters, cover designCopyright 2011 Sun-Maid Growers of CaliforniaLONDON, NEW YORK, MUNICH,MELBOURNE, DELHIFOR DORLING KINDERSLEY: Managing Art Editor Richard CzapnikSenior Editors Michele Wells, ROS WALFORD DTP DesignersDavid McDonald, Kavita VARMA Senior ProductionController Sarah HughEs Associate Publisher Nigel DuffieldFirstFORpublishedin the UnitedKINDERSLEYStates in December 2011DORLINGby DK Publishing, 375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014Managing Art10EditorCzapnik9 8 7 6 5 4Richard321001-182142-Dec/11Senior Editors MicheleWells, ROS WALFORDCopyright Page Layout and Design 2011 Dorling Kindersley LimitedDTP Designers David McDonald, Kavita VARMAAll rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. Nopart of Seniorthis publicationmay be reproduced,stored in a retrievalor n any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, ut the priorwritten permissionthe copyright owner.DK books are available at special discounts when purchased in bulk for salespromotions, premiums, fundraising, or educational use.For details, contact: DK Publishing Special Markets, 375 Hudson Street,New York, New York 10014. SpecialSales@dk.comLibrary of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication DataPalecek, Anna L., 1982Sun-Maid Raisins & Dried Fruits : serving American families & the world since 1912/ Sun-Maid Growers of California, Sun-Maid Creative Team, Anna L. Palecek, Gary H.Marshburn, Barry F. Kriebel.p. cm.Version with recipes in imperial measurements.Summary: “A collection of over 50 recipes for raisins and dried fruits including thestory of their production from the field to the table”-- Provided by publisher.ISBN 978-0-7566-9067-01. Cooking (Raisins) I. Marshburn, Gary H., 1952- II. Kriebel, Barry F., 1950- III.Sun-Maid Growers of California. IV. Title.TX813.R34P35 2011641.4--dc232011041399ISBN: 978-0-7566-9067-0Printed and bound in the U.S.A. by WorzallaDiscover more atRaisins & Dried FruitsServing American Families & the World Since 1912
Contentschapter 1CHAPTER 2CHAPTER 3CHAPTER 4TheBasicsThe BackgroundStoryThe Sun-MaidStoryFrom Field toTable10 Sun-Maid Timeline1900–193012 Sun-Maid Timeline1930–196514 Sun-Maid Timeline1965–199516 Sun-Maid Timeline1995–Present18 The Uses of Raisins22 The Uses of Dried Fruits24 Festivals & Holidays28 Fresh Fruit Made IntoDried Fruit30 Making Sense ofServing Sizes34 History of Raisins & DriedFruits: Ancient Times36 History of Raisins & DriedFruits: The Old & New World38 History of Raisins & DriedFruits: To California40 History of Raisins & DriedFruits: To Today42 The Golden State44 Irrigation Water46 The Thompson Seedless Story50 Sun-Maid Today76788082848652 Cooperatives54 The Sun-Maid Girl56 The Panama PacificInternational Exposition58 Building the Brand60 Sun-Maid Advertising62 Norman Rockwell &Sun-Maid64 Raisins in Popular Culture66 100 Years of Recipe Books68 Bringing the Sun-Maid Girlto Life70 Sun-Maid Memories889092949698Planting a Raisin VineyardThe Cycle of Grape GrowingHand HarvestingMechanical HarvestingDried-on-the-Vine HarvestingSustainable Farming &ProcessingHazards of Raisin GrowingSun-Maid ExpertsCalifornia’s Raisin PioneersProcessing & PackagingDistribution in the UnitedStatesDistribution Around theWorldCHAPTER 5CHAPTER 6102 Choosing Raisins104 Golden Raisins106 Apricots108 Prunes110 Figs112 Dates114 Peaches, Apples, & Pears116 Artificially Sweetened DriedFruits118 Health Benefits of Dried Fruits120 International Food Guidelines124 Raisins in Europe126 Raisins in Asia128 Raisin Bread130 The Future134 Raisin Breads & Cakes fromAround the World140 Breads142 Breakfast146 Snacks148 Cookies152 Desserts157 Appetizers160 Main Dishes167 Salads171 Side DishesThe Facts on Raisins Recipes& Dried Fruits
6DEDication/foreword 7ForewordDedicationDuring Sun-Maid’s first 100 years, millions of individuals contributed to Sun-Maid’s success.Beginning in the late 1800s and continuing to this day, immigrants from many countries havedeveloped California’s Central Valley into one of the finest fruit and vegetable growing areas inthe world. The region’s unique combination of sun, soil, and water is ideal for producing qualitysun-dried raisins and dried fruits. Hard work, tenacity, and vision drove early California raisingrowers to succeed in carving out a legacy which has lasted for six generations. Annually, thefamilies of Sun-Maid growers entrust their livelihoods to the Board of Directors, management,and employees of Sun-Maid to process and market each year’s harvest to our valued customers inover 50 countries. Sun-Maid’s success is dependent on a worldwide sales, logistics, and customernetwork, which assures that “every minute of the day, somewhere in the world, someone iseating Sun-Maid raisins.” This publication is dedicated to all these individual efforts, combinedcontributions, and satisfied customers.One very special note is to Kendall L. Manock, Sun-Maid’s general counsel, who advised ourBoard and management from 1961 almost continuously until his death in 2010. Mr. Manockbegan his legal career as a United States Attorney, and as a clerk for the U.S. 9th Circuit Court ofAppeals. With his partners, he developed a firm, which served the entire Fresno community well.For Sun-Maid, Mr. Manock was the ideal general counsel. He, like Sun-Maid, shared a nationalreputation for honesty, fairness, and reliability as a leader in the California agriculturalcommunity. For 50 years, Sun-Maid’s growers and customers benefited from his sound legal andpractical advice on the full range of challenging and ever changing commercial, legal, regulatory,and consumer issues. In many ways, Mr. Manock and Sun-Maid shared a deep kinship based onserving the community interests of our producers and the national andinternational interests of our customers. In this sense, Mr. Manock’scharacter typified that of the best customers, growers, employees,suppliers, and advisors who have been part of the Sun-Maid family.Mr. Manock passed away as we began in earnest the development ofthis publication. We hope that he and his family would be proud of it.Kendall L. ManockSun-Maid General Counsel1961 to 2010In celebration of our 100thAnniversary we are proud to releaseour publication Sun-Maid: Raisins& Dried Fruits, Serving AmericanFamilies & the World Since 1912.In developing this publicationwe made a conscious decision tofocus on what we believe consumersand the public want to know todayabout Sun-Maid, and raisins anddried fruits, and to tell this story ina very visual way. In making thisdecision, we have sacrificed tellingthe complete story of so manykey individuals.These would have includedH.H. Welsh and James Madison,our first Chairman and President,both elected in 1912; William N.Keeler, who served as Presidentfrom 1931 to 1949; A.E. Swanson,our longest seated Chairmanfrom 1944 to 1963; Pete J. Penner,our youngest Board member inhistory when first elected and whoserved tirelessly from 1968 to 2009,including as Chairman from 1986 to1999; visionary growers Earl Roccaand sons and Lee Simpson, whocould see the future for mechanicalharvesting and overhead trellissystems for dried-on-the-vine crops,respectively, before others could;and key management and staff whosuccessfully transitioned Sun-Maidinto the 21st century. And of course,there were many, many more.We tell the story of raisins anddried fruits from ancient times totoday, how these are grown andharvested, what makes Californiaa unique growing area, our linksto consumers in over 50 countries,and how raisins and traditionaldried fruits are equivalent to freshfruit without the water. We includethe story behind Lorraine CollettPetersen, whose likeness became ourinternationally recognized icon, the“Sun-Maid Girl,” and E.A. Berg, ouradvertising manager, who in 1914originated the name Sun-Maid anddeveloped our first packaging andadvertising campaigns.We have included over 50 of thebest raisin and dried fruit recipesin the world to help you and yourfamilies enjoy our products forcelebrations or to make any dayspecial. We especially thank thosecompanies who granted Sun-Maidpermission to use their recipes.We hope that this publicationexceeds your expectations. Wewelcome your comments atwww.sunmaid.com.Jon E. MarthedalChairmanSun-Maid Growers of CaliforniaBarry F. KriebelPresidentSun-Maid Growers of California
CHAPTER 1The Basics10 Sun-Maid Timeline1900–193012 Sun-Maid Timeline1930–196514 Sun-Maid Timeline1965–199516 Sun-Maid Timeline1995–Present18 The Uses of Raisins22 The Uses of Dried Fruits24 Festivals and Holidays28 Fresh Fruit Made into Dried Fruit30 Making Sense of Serving Sizes
10 the basicsSun-Maid timeline 1900–1930 11Sun-Maid Timeline 1900–1930early 1900 sThe California raisinindustry experiencestremendous growth in thefertile San Joaquin Valley.1900 1906—San Francisco earthquake1915The co-op adopts the nameSun-Maid. Sun-Maid director L.R.Payne sees Miss Lorraine Collettdrying her hair in a red bonnetand asks her to pose for thepainting, which would becomethe company’s new trademarkand soon one of America’s mostrecognized brands.1921The Sun-Maid brand becomes asymbol of the San Joaquin Valley’sagricultural economy and culture.The “sun maids” make manyappearances promoting Californiaraisins and the popular newbrand, including hand-deliveringSun-Maid raisins to PresidentWarren G. Harding along with aninvitation to the annual Raisin Dayfestivities held in Fresno, California.1914The new California Associated Raisin Companylaunches its first advertising program with aRaisin Train bound for Chicago. Placards onthe cars proclaim: “Raisins Grown by 6,000California Growers.”1914—World War I begins1918—World War I ends1920 sHeavy planting of raisin vineyardscauses overproduction andplummeting prices. Prohibitionleads to a surplus of grapes thatwould have ordinarily been madeinto wine. The industry alsostruggles with serious financialproblems brought on bythe Great Depression.1912Fresno area San JoaquinValley raisin growers1914propose a new growerLocal advertising creative E.A. Bergowned cooperative, theoriginates the name “Sun-Maid.” BesidesCalifornia Associatedreferring to the fact that raisins are “made”Raisin Company.in the California sun, the words suggested aH.H. Welsh is thepersonality—a pretty “maid” gathering theAssociation’sharvest and making the raisins.first chairman.1915Sun-Maid participatesin the Panama PacificInternational Expositionheld in San Francisco,demonstrating theraisin-seeding machinewith Muscat raisins,providing raisinsamples, passing outraisin bread, and givingaway recipe books.1918The cooperative opens its new processing plant in Fresno,California, dubbed “the finest factory building this side ofDetroit.” It would be Sun-Maid’s home from 1918–1964.1923The Sun-Maid Girlillustration is modifiedfor the first time.1929—Great Depression begins19301922More than 85 percent ofCalifornia raisin growersare members of the co-op,which changes its name toSun-Maid Raisin Growers ofCalifornia to identify moreclosely with its nationallyrecognized brand.
12 the basicsSun-Maid timeline 1930–1965 13Sun-Maid Timeline 1930–19651926–1932Renowned American artistNorman Rockwell createsthe first of a number ofpaintings for use in Sun-Maidadvertising.1948The Berlin Airlift brings supplies to thewestern section of Berlin blockaded by theSoviet Union. “Raisin Bomber” pilots collectraisins, candy, chocolate, and gum, and sewthem into miniature parachutes dropped tochildren waiting by the airfields below.U.S. BERLINAIRLIFTAmericans to FlyTons of Food OverRussian BlockadeWashington, D.C., July 1, 1948—The1951The California Raisin AdvisoryBoard (CALRAB) is formed forresearching, advertising, andpromoting California raisins.While the RAC concentrateson quality standards andproduct volume, CALRAB’sfocus is on boostingconsumption and sales ofCalifornia raisins.President annouced U.S. efforts to airliftfood to needy Germans due to the Russian1941–1945World War II influences every aspect ofAmerican life. Sun-Maid publishes a series ofwartime recipe books emphasizing that cookscan save on sugar by using raisins, whichalready contain natural sugars. Sun-Maidraisins are used to sustain troops and are prizedin the field for providing high energy value,great portability, and a long shelf life.1930 1933—President Roosevelt initiates New Deal1939—World War II begins1964Situated on 73 acres, the640,000-square-foot Sun-Maid plantopens and is voted one of America’stop new plants by Factory Magazine.1956The Sun-MaidGirl keeps upwith the timesas the trademarkundergoes its secondmodification.1945—End of World War II1956—Federal-Aid Highway Act1962—Cuban Missile Crisis19651942Facing a workforce reduction duringWorld War II, Sun-Maid enters intoa cooperative sales and distributionagreement with H.J. Heinz Co., whichis later terminated after the war.1937One of the New Deal milestones,the Federal Agriculture MarketingAgreement Act is approved. TheCalifornia Marketing Act is approvedby the State Legislature, paving the wayfor growers to organize for their mutualbenefit and to improve the marketingconditions for California raisins.1949Federal and state marketingorders for raisins are approved.The Raisin AdministrativeCommittee (RAC), acooperative comprising allCalifornia raisin producersand handlers, is establishedwith the objective of settingindustry-wide qualitystandards and volume controls.1961Sun-Maid Chairman A.E. Swanson breaks ground fora new plant facility in Kingsburg, California.1956The RAC establishesminimum grade andcondition standardsfor the Californiaraisin industry.
14 the BasicsSun-Maid timeline 1965–1995 15Sun-Maid Timeline 1965–19951986The CaliforniaDancing Raisins areintroduced by theCalifornia RaisinAdvisory Boardand earn CALRABsubstantial licensingroyalties.1977Premium driedapricots are added to theSun-Maid product line.1970The Sun-Maidlogo is once againmodernized into theform it would keepinto the 21st century.1978Sun-Maid adds prunesto its product line.1976Sun-Maid begins producinghigh-proof alcohol from raisinby-products at a distillery facility.19651969—U.S. puts man on moon1967A group of raisin growers notassociated with Sun-Maidform the Raisin BargainingAssociation (RBA). Sun-Maidbecomes a signatory packer in1988, allowing the purchase ofraisins from RBA growers.1971—First e-mail transmission1973—First cell phone call1972A severe spring freezeon March 27 and 28spells early disaster forthe 1972 raisin crop,which suffers a 60percent loss to make itthe smallest raisin cropsince the turn of thecentury.1980Sun-Diamond Growers ofCalifornia is formed, joiningSun-Maid with fellow co-opsSunsweet Growers Inc. andDiamond Walnut Growers,Inc. The partnership laststwo decades.1980—Smallpox eradicated1990—World Wide Web debuts1992Marketing students atCalifornia State University,Fresno build and fill the world’slargest raisin box, earning a spotin The Guinness Book of Records.The box measures 12 feet high,8 feet wide, and 4 feet deep, andis filled with 16,500 pounds ofSun-Maid raisins. The box islater installed at the Sun-Maidheadquarters in Kingsburg.1994—Nelson Mandela elected President of South Africa1980The carton canis launched.1988In connection with Sun-Maid’s 75th Anniversary,the original Sun-Maid bonnet worn by LorraineCollett is donated to the Smithsonian Institutionin Washington, D.C.1976Harvest rains devastatethe San Joaquin Valleyraisin crop in 1976, andagain in 1978 whenabout 70 percent of thecrop is lost.1971Sun-Maid helps to establish Sunland Marketing, Inc. to gain marketingleverage and provide the grocery trade with a full line of dried fruit products.late 1980sSun-Maid growersbegin experimentingwith dried-on-thevine (DOV) raisinproduction andharvesting. Assumingthe leadership role inthe effort, Sun-Maidreceives a patent fora DOV trellisingsystem in 1995.1980Sun-Maid raisin bread isintroduced as a licensed product.1994CALRAB, then a program jointlyfunded by raisin growers andpackers, is terminated by theactions of 15 raisin packers notaffiliated with Sun-Maid.1995
16 the BasicsSun-Maid timeline 1995–present 17Sun-Maid Timeline 1995–Present1998It takes four years before aconsensus is reached for anew state marketing order(The California RaisinMarketing Board), whichis funded exclusively byraisin growers.1997California EPA recognizes Sun-Maidfor its innovative Integrated PestManagement program.1995 1995—Amazon.com and eBay are founded1999Simon and Schuster Children’sPublishing Division publishesSun-Maid Raisins Play Book.1997—Mars Pathfinder lands on Mars1999The full line of Sun-Maidspecialty fruit is expanded.1995Sun-Maid milk chocolate covered raisinsare introduced as a licensed product.2001The United StatesDepartment of Agriculture(USDA) releases the SelmaPete variety in 2001.1999—World population reaches 6 billion2000The Sun-MaidCollectible Dollis issued by theAlexander DollCompany,New York.2005Sun-Maid meets the needsof the organic-focusedconsumer by offering a varietyof retail packs of OrganicRaisins. Sun-Maid is at theforefront of sustainabilityinitiatives and continues toutilize best practices in themanufacturing industry toreduce its carbon footprint.2006For the first time, the Sun-Maidgirl is animated for print andtelevision ads, and on the newlyredesigned website, whichfeatures the message highlightingthat natural raisins are “JustGrapes & Sunshine .”2007—The European Union expands to 27 member states2003Using the trademarkcolors of red andyellow, Sun-Maid’spackaging isredesigned to createa unified look acrossthe brand, whichhas been furtherexpanded to includemore dried fruits.2005A joint publication of Sun-Maidand Gooseberry Patch featuresfamily-friendly recipes withSun-Maid raisins and driedfruits. Recipes include raisinbread french toast, turkey andwild rice salad, and yogurtcurry chicken salad sandwiches.2007Reader’s Digest magazine namesthe Sun Maid Girl on the redbox the “Best lasting logo” as partof its “America’s Best” awards.References to the Sun-Maidbrand or a close representationcontinue to be featured in popculture including The Simpsons,Sesame Street, and a MasterCard“Priceless” commercial.2010Sun-Maid continues todevelop its online presenceat www.sunmaid.com,including versions inSpanish, bilingual English/French Canadian, andJapanese. In 2010, Sun-Maidlaunches a site on Facebook,reaching more customersthrough social media.2010—33 miners freed from Chilean mine20112011Sun-Maid contributes to the restorationefforts of San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts,the only remaining building from the PanamaPacific International Exposition held in 1915.Sun-Maid’s participation in the expositionnearly 100 years prior is highlighted on aseries of interpretive panels surrounding therenovated buildings.
18 the basicsthe uses of raisins 19The Uses of RaisinsmixesMixtures of raisins,dried fruits, and nutsare another top useof raisins. Dried fruitmixes are consideredan ideal exercise snackbecause they help toprovide sustainedenergy in a compactand easy-to-carry form.About half of Sun-Maid raisins arepackaged and sold in our familiar consumerpackages—the other half are sold for useas an ingredient in a wide assortment offood products.Sun-Maid raisins are the mosteconomical dried fruits around. Availableyear-round, raisins are easy to use in a widevariety of foods. Cereals, breads, cookies,candies, energy snacks—the raisin is one ofthe world’s most versatile food ingredients!Commercial customers chooseSun-Maid for quality, consistency, and ourability to meet precise specifications for size,special coatings, and moisture levels.We also coordinate shipments to meetjust-in-time delivery schedules. Most ofall, Sun-Maid offers real-world expertisein helping our commercial customerseffectively meet their needs.flavor enhancementRaisins add flavor and textureto foods. Two raisin products—raisin juice concentrateand raisin paste—are flavorenhancers found in everythingfrom breads and cakes tocookies and sauces.cereals, baked goods,& Granola barsRaisins provide more than just flavor to thecereals and baked goods available at grocerystores today. Using raisins helps bakersreduce or eliminate the use of preservativesin their products, as the propionicacid found in raisins acts as a naturalpreservative. Another naturally occurringacid in raisins, tartaric acid, enhances theflavor of baked goods and can help reducethe amount of salt needed to flavor breads,cakes, cookies, and pastries.Raisin Juice ConcentrateRaisin PasteconfectionaryYogurt covered raisins, chocolate bars with raisins,and chocolate covered raisins are justsome of the confectionary itemsusing raisins. Chocolatecoated raisins are pannedin large rotatingcopper kettles.saucesMany well-loved barbecue and steak sauce brands onthe market today combine raisin paste and raisinjuice concentrate with other ingredients liketomato paste, soy sauce, and vinegar to create awide selection of bold sauces.
20 The basicsThe Uses of Raisinsgranola barsFirst came granola,then came thegranola bar, whichtook the mixtureof rolled oats,honey, raisins,dried fruit, andnuts, and made itcompact and portable.the uses of raisins 21ate c ip e sr51pto.comwww.sunmaidieseal cooktmaoinisar1. Classicstrench toaFananacookies2. Boatmealinisart3. Low-fassli pasta tooccorB4.aladl pasta saicpor5. Trdoodles6. Snickeapplesd bakedezlagle7. Mapnesraisin sconoman8. Cinbreadon raisinmanin9. Cpie10. Raisindingread pudbinisaread11. Rin quick bisarnom12. Cinnaafa raisin lonanaB.13fast bars14. Breaklaw15. Colesraisin stuffingRaisins help balance the savory flavors of stuffing made with driedbread or bread cubes, herbs, and spices. Regional variations candetermine whether it is called stuffing, filling, or dressing, but theside dish usually accompanies roastturkey and other poultry.bread puddingBread pudding is made from bread thatis usually soaked in eggs, cream, sugar,and spices before being baked. Manyrecipes add raisins or dried fruits, whileothers incorporate raisin bread.The Raisin Cereal StoryWhile cereal might seem like the quintessential breakfast food of today, the firstcereals weren’t introduced until the late 1800s. Following the invention of the firstmachines that could shred whole wheat, C.W. Post’s cereal company was foundedin 1895, W.K. Kellogg invented corn flakes in 1898, and Swiss physician MaximilianBircher-Benner developed Muesli around 1900.The new cereals, many of which were first marketed to ease health problems,were a departure from heavier, meat-based breakfasts. Consumers began to embracethe lighter, grain-based offerings, to which the addition of raisins was a natural fit,as seen in the 1928 Sun-Maid ad (right). In 1926, Skinner’s Raisin Bran was the firstraisin bran on the market, and though the term “raisin bran” was once trademarked,it now refers to any bran and raisin cereal.Classic coleslawRaisins add sweetness and texture to classic coleslaw, whichcombines thinly sliced or shredded cabbage with carrots,mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar, and can include other freshfruits such as apples.celerysticksRaisins topcelery sticksspread withpeanut butteror cream cheese,resulting in a sweet,savory, crunchy snack.raisin carrot saladRaisins join with grated carrots andmayonnaise or yogurt to create thisclassically simple salad. Some recipesadd other ingredients includingcelery, chopped walnuts, diced apples,or crushed pineapple.raisin oatmeal cookiesSoft, chewy, and delicious,raisin oatmeal cookies are oneof the most popular cookies inAmerica. The classic recipe forthese easy-to-make favorites isSun-Maid’s most-downloadedrecipe at www.sunmaid.com.
22 THE BASICSTHE uses of dried fruits 23The Uses of Dried Fruitsroast goose with pruneson Saint martin’s daySaint Martin’s Eve and Day are celebrated onNovember 10 and 11 in several Europeancountries by eating a roast goose stuffedwith prunes and apples. A Danish legendtells that Saint Martin was hiding in a barnwhen a goose gave away his presence, whichis why the bird lost its neck and is eaten onMortensaften. In Germany, another legendsays that the saint died after eating an entiregoose in a single meal, which is why themeal is eaten during Martinfest.Dried fruits have been popular throughout theworld for centuries as ingredients appropriatefor breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, festivals, andspecial occasions. They are minimally processed,which preserves the natural wholesomeness ofthe fresh fruits from which they are made, andare a good value compared with more expensivefresh, frozen, and canned fruits. Available ina variety of forms, such as whole, halves, anddiced, dried fruits offer limitless creativity whenused in recipes and cooking. Today, more than90 percent of dried fruits consumed in theUnited States come from California.fig pasteDifferent fig varieties,including Mission andCalimyrna figs, areused to make figpastes rangingin color andconsistency.prune pasteGround prunes have a variety of uses inbaking and prepared foods, and they areeven a key ingredient in baby foods.holiday fruit traysCarefully arranged dried fruits and nuts make beautiful,delicious, and nutritious gifts. Thanks to the wideavailability of dried fruits, consumers around the worldenjoy California fruits, many of which are in season foronly a short period, any time of the year.diced applesThe uniform shape of diced dried applesmakes them easily combined in recipes formuffins, trail mixes, and granola.fruitcakeFruitcake is made with chopped dried fruits, nuts, spices,and is sometimes soaked in spirits. Often served duringChristmas celebrations and in some parts of the world,weddings, fruitcake has many variations depending on theculture. It can be dense and rich, which is how it is oftenmade in the United States and the Caribbean, or light andairy, as it is in parts of Central Europe.diced apricotsHome cooks dice apricots into pieces ideal for baking andsalads by either first oiling the blade of a knife or withkitchen shears wiped with a small amount of cooking oil.prune juiceMade from dried plums that have beensoftened through steaming and pureeing,prune juice is a source of potassium andhelps to maintain digestive health.chopped datesChopped dates are used to top hotand cold cereals and in cookies, cakes,muffins, and breads.chocolatedipped driEd fruitsApricots, prunes, and dates arecovered with chocolate and yogurt ina variety of confectionery items.
24 the basicsfestivals & holidays 25Festivals & HolidaysNo matter the country or culture, festivalsand holidays are most often accompaniedby special foods and feasts. Raisins anddried fruits often play an important partof holiday traditions. Though the dishesvary greatly across the globe—from flakypastries to rich puddings and spicedbreads—there are raisin and dried fruitrecipes for every celebration and religion.Chinese new yearOne of the most important holidays of the year in China, theChinese Lunar New Year, is celebrated between late January andmid-February. Babaofan, or eight treasure rice pudding, is servedduring the new year celebration and made with sticky rice andeight different dried fruits and nuts such as raisins, lotus seeds,dates, wolfberries, red beans, and sunflower seeds.easter and hot cross bunsA British specialty traditionally eaten on GoodFriday, hot cross buns are made with a spiceddough that includes raisins and is marked witha cross at the top, which can be made frompastry, icing, or two intersecting cuts. There aremany superstitions surrounding hot cross buns.One notion is that by sharing one with a friend,their friendship is ensured throughout the year.Others say that taking the buns on sea voyagesprevents shipwrecks, and that hanging the bunsin a kitchen both prevents fires and aids in thecreation of perfect breads.purim and passoverPart of the Jewish menu during Purim,hamantashen (above) are three-corneredcookies that can be filled with prunes ordates. Raisins are a part of other Jewishholiday food traditions including rugelachfor Chanukah and raisin noodle kugel forPassover. The Passover Seder (left) is a ritualfeast eaten to begin the holiday.Celebrating Dried Fruits in the United Statescarrot cakeat easterMany American Eastercelebrations incorporate theEaster Bunny, who is saidto hide candy-filled eggsand other gifts for childrento find during Easter egghunts. Carrot cake, whichcan be eaten any time ofthe year, often includesraisins and is a traditionduring Easter—with a nodto rabbits and one of theirfavorite foods: carrots.capirotada for lentCapirotada is a Mexican bread pudding traditionally eatenduring Lent. The pudding is made of bread, sugar, cheese,and raisins. One of the key differences that makes this dishstand out from European bread puddings is the step ofsoaking the bread in a syrup made from piloncillo, which isa solid piece of sugar made by boiling sugarcane, along withcinnamon and nutmeg.Apricot Day January 9Cherry Month FebruaryHot Cross Bun Day Good Friday (March or April)Fruit Compote Day March 1Oatmeal Cookie Day March 18Chocolate Covered Raisin Day March 27Raisin and Spice Bar Day April 5Raisin Day April 30Raisin W
California raisin growers are members of the co-op, which changes its name to Sun-Maid Raisin Growers of California to identify more closely with its nationally recognized brand. 1920s Heavy planting of raisin vineyards causes overproduction and plummeting prices. Prohibition leads to
