Interesting facts about California Raisins
- Half the world's supply of Raisins are grown in Fresno, California
- 'Raisin' comes from the Latin 'racemus' meaning a cluster of grapes or berries.
- Raisins were first discovered drying on the vine in 1490bc.
- It takes 4 pounds of fresh grapes to make 1 pound of raisins.
- It takes three years to produce a single raisin, from planting the vine to harvesting.
- 95% of California Raisins are made from Thompson Seedless grapes.
- In the 14th century, Christmas puddings were made as a kind of soup with raisins and wine.
- In the 17th century, raisins were considered a spice alongside salt, sugar, currants, dates, figs and apricots.
- Ancient Greeks and Romans decorated places of worship with raisins and handed them out to winners in sporting contests.
- The first professional baseball team in Fresno (the raisin capital of California) was founded in 1908. The team's official name was the Fresno State League Club, but they were nicknamed 'The Raisin Eaters'.
Think Raisins, Think California