Raisins are dried grapes. The term typically refers to dark raisins, though it also encompasses golden and sultana raisins. They are most commonly from Thompson seedless green grapes, left to darken as they dry.
Raisins are primarily sugar but do contain fiber. Non-organic raisins may contain traces of pesticides. Polyphenol content inherent to fresh grapes decreases significantly with aging, drying, and processing. Raisins have little to no resveratrol content.
Raisins may be coated with vegetable oils which may contain corn, soy, or seed oils; raisins may contain sulfites. These are common allergens.
Cereal, granola, muesli, baked goods, cookies, cakes, energy bars, granola bars, trail mix, pilaf, rice dishes, candies, confectionery, chocolate bars, ice cream, frozen desserts, salad
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
National Raisin Company
About.com: Home Cooking