History
For all their popularity, though, raisins were not exported to
the rest of Europe. Shipping methods were too poor to maintain
the quality of the raisins for long travel.
All of that changed in the 11th century. Knights returning from
the crusades brought raisins back to Europe with them. They had
sampled the dried fruit during their travels through the
Mediterranean and Persia.
When the knights went home and began to crave raisins, a huge
demand was created. Fortunately, packing and shipping techniques
had improved enough for raisins to be sent all over Northern
Europe.
By the middle of the 14th century, currants and raisins were an
important part of English cuisine. In 1374, prices in England
skyrocketed to two pence and three farthings per pound, which
was very expensive at that time.
After a period of time, viticulture spread to France and
Germany. Even the English tried to grow currants in the 16th
century - but realized their climate was too cold for drying
raisins.
Grapes and raisins had become an important part of European
cuisine by the time European nations started to colonize the
Americas. In Spain, where viticulture had been perfected, grapes
were being used to make products such as dry table wine, sweet
dessert wines and muscat raisins. It was only natural that when
the conquistadors colonized Mexico, wine and raisins were soon
to follow.
Some useful
information about raisin
