Currants

Name derived from the grape variety Korinthiaki for special sultanas; see there.

Term for extremely dried grapes, derived from the Old French term "roisin" (grape berry). They are divided into Zibeben (large berries with seeds and thick skin), currants (small, dark, seedless berries) and sultanas (light-coloured, seedless berries). The names are also derived from the grape varieties often used: Korinthiaki, Muscat d'Alexandrie (Cibebe) and Sultana. Sultanas are one of the oldest preserved foods known to man. Many Arab and Asian peoples were particularly fond of using sultanas as nutritious and long-lasting provisions for their soldiers during military campaigns.

Ancient provisions

The general Hannibal (247-183 BC) from Carthage is said to have mainly supplied his troops with this long-lasting foodstuff during his march on Rome across the Alps. Writings found in Egypt document the production of sultanas for at least 3,000 BC and they are also mentioned several times in the Bible. The Greek philosopher Aristotle (384-322 BC) reported that...

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