Dried Zante Currants | No Sugar Added

Sold in 14 oz., 2 lb. and 4 lb. Options in Re-Sealable bags.

Ingredients: Zante Dried Currants

Ingredient Country of Origin: United States and/or  South Africa.

Allergen Declaration Statement: Free from; Gluten, Wheat, Legume Family {Peanuts, Soy beans, lentils, chickpeas, and lupin, beans (kidney, black, pinto, navy, string, fava), and peas (green, split, black-eyed), plus others like mung beans, adzuki, and tamarind}, Tree Nuts {almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, brazil nuts, pine nuts, & coconut}, Shellfish aquatic invertebrates (crab, lobster, shrimp, prawns, crayfish), Crustaceans mollusks (clams, mussels, oysters, scallops, squid, octopus, snails), Fish {vertebrates having a backbone} , Sesame, Milk/Dairy, Eggs, Mustard, Sulfur Dioxide, Potassium Sorbate.

Packaging Procedure: Hand Packaged on dedicated Gerbs equipment Johnston, RI.

Introducing Gerbs Dried Zante Variety Currants

OVERVIEW

Zante currants are tiny, dark, sweet-tart dried Black Corinth grapes, often used in baking (scones, muffins, breads) or as a snack, offering antioxidants, minerals, and natural sugar, but they are not related to berry currants and are toxic to dogs like other raisins. Originating from Greece (Zante/Zakynthos), they’re known for their intense flavor, dispersing evenly in baked goods, and pairing well with citrus and savory dishes.

Key Characteristics

• Type of Fruit: Dried Black Corinth grapes, not true currants (which are berries).
• Flavor: Sweet, grapey, and slightly tart.
• Appearance: Very small, dark, and wrinkled.
• Origin: Named after the Greek island of Zante (Zakynthos).

HOW ARE THEY MADE

Zante currants are made by sun-drying tiny, seedless Black Corinth grapes (sometimes called Champagne grapes), a process similar to making raisins, resulting in small, intensely sweet, and slightly tangy dried fruit, not actual berries like red or black currants. The grapes are harvested and laid out to dry in the sun for weeks until leathery, then cleaned and sorted for packaging, adding sweet flavor and texture to baked goods and savory dishes.

Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Grape Variety: The process starts with small, seedless Black Corinth grapes, which are distinct from true currants (berries).
2. Harvesting: Grapes are picked from the vine.
3. Sun Drying: Grapes are spread out on trays, often covered with cloth, and left to dry in the sun for several weeks, allowing them to naturally darken and concentrate their sugars.
4. Cleaning & Sorting: After drying, they go through mechanical processes to remove stems and debris, followed by washing, rinsing, and optical sorting for quality.
5. Packaging: The finished Zante currants are packaged, ready to be used in recipes.

Key Distinction: Remember, “Zante currants” are dried grapes, not berries from a shrub, despite the confusing name.

KEY HEALTH BENEFITS

Zante currants (tiny dried grapes) are nutrient-dense, offering fiber for digestion, iron for energy, potassium for blood pressure, and powerful antioxidants (phenols, anthocyanins) fighting cell damage and inflammation, supporting heart and brain health. They provide quick energy from natural sugars but should be eaten in moderation due to high sugar content, though they’re fat-free, low-sodium, and boost bone health with boron.

Nutritional Highlights

• Fiber: Aids digestion, gut health, and can help regulate blood sugar.
• Minerals: Excellent source of Potassium (heart/fluid balance) and Iron (energy/oxygen). Also contains Calcium and the bone-supporting trace element Boron.
• Vitamins: Provide B vitamins, though Vitamin C degrades during drying.
• Low Fat/Sodium: Naturally fat-free and low in sodium.

Health Properties & Benefits

• Antioxidant Power: Rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins, protecting against oxidative stress, inflammation, and chronic diseases like heart disease and Alzheimer’s.
• Heart Health: Potassium and antioxidants support healthy blood pressure, circulation, and cholesterol levels (lowering LDL).
• Brain Health: Antioxidants influence neuronal communication, potentially protecting against cognitive decline.
• Bone Health: Boron content supports bone strength and joint function, potentially lowering osteoporosis risk.
• Energy Boost: Natural sugars offer quick energy, making them great for snacks.

HOW TO COOK & INCORPORATE ZANTE CURRANTS INTO YOUR DIET

Enjoy Zante currants by snacking, adding to breakfast (oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies), mixing into baked goods (muffins, scones, breads, cookies) for sweet bursts, or incorporating into savory dishes like stuffings, pilafs, and sauces for meats (pork, game) for a tangy, sweet-tart lift, pairing well with spices, nuts, and citrus. They’re a versatile, healthy swap for raisins, offering natural sweetness and nutrients like iron and fiber.

In Your Diet (Snacking & Breakfast)

• Snack Attack: Eat them plain for a healthy, antioxidant-rich bite, or mix into trail mix with nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate.
• Yogurt & Oatmeal: Sprinkle over Greek yogurt or stir into hot oatmeal for texture and natural sweetness.
• Smoothies & Puddings: Blend into smoothies or layer into overnight oats and chia puddings.
• Granola: Fold into homemade granola for a chewy, fruity element.

In Cooking (Baking & Savory)

• Baking: Add to muffin, scone, cookie, or quick bread batter (like banana bread) for juicy pops of flavor.
• Buns & Cakes: Essential for traditional Hot Cross Buns or add to fruitcakes and quick loaves.
• Savory Dishes: Mix into rice pilaf, holiday stuffings for poultry or pork, or add to cheese boards.
• Sauces & Marinades: Create sweet-tart sauces for game meats or use in vinaigrettes.
• Pairings: They complement orange zest, cinnamon, ginger, nuts, lamb, pork, and richer grains.

Pro-Tips

• Plump Them Up: Briefly soak in warm water or toss in boiling water before baking to plump them and reduce grittiness.
• Substitute: Use them as a direct, healthier swap for raisins in almost any recipe.

Order now and Taste the Goodness of Gerbs!

Storage Recommendations

For the best flavor and freshness, we recommend storing your Gerbs in an airtight container in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet, away from sunlight and heat sources like the oven.

Each time the container is opened, oxygen sneaks in and can speed up rancidity, so try to keep only about one pound of product accessible at a time.

While Gerbs can be frozen, we don’t recommend it. Freezing and thawing can change the natural cell structure, which may affect texture and taste. Keep them cool, dry, and sealed tight for the best experience!