
Full Answer
Are dried currants the same as currants?
Dried currants, also called Zante currants, are tiny raisins made by drying a variety of seedless grape known as Black Corinth (often sold fresh as "Champagne grapes"). Dried currants are no relation to fresh currants, which are actually a type of berry.
What are currants made of?
Currants, also known as “Zante currants,” are tiny, dried grapes. Despite their name, currants are actually made by drying a variety of small, seedless grapes called “Black Corinth” and “Carina.” Currants are dried for up to three weeks.
What are currants called in the UK?
In the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland, "currants" often refer to the Zante currant. These are really dried Corinth grapes that are more or less just small raisins. True currants are small berries that grow on shrubs and are more like gooseberries.
What can I substitute for dried currants?
For those times when you can’t find dried currants or just want to try something different, here are five great substitutes: 1. Raisins First on our list is the raisin. Raisins are made from grapes that have been dried in the sun or a dehydrator.

What are Currants, dried?
Dried Zante grapes called dried currants are used as a snack food or in cereals, stuffings, muffins or other baked goods. Dried currants are not related to the fresh berry also called a currant.
Favorite Currants, dried Recipes
For an excellent snack, toast this bread and serve with butter and jam.
What Are Currants?
Currants, also called Zante currants or Black Corinth raisins, are dried berries that come from seedless Black Corinth grapes. These are not to be confused with black, red, or white currants, which are grape-like berries that come from shrubs and are not usually eaten dried.
Currant History
The word “currant” is derived from “Corinth,” a Greek city famous for its small, dark grapes.
What Do They Look Like?
Dried currants are tiny, bluish brown/black raisins. Their wrinkles are fine to medium, but quite distinct.
What Do They Taste Like?
Currants are quite flavorful. They taste like regular raisins, but since they’re small, they’re a bit more intense.
Currant Benefits
Though they’re small, currants pack a healthy punch. Nutritional highlights include:
What to Do With Currants
Because of their tender skin and small size, currants are often used for cooking and baking. For a sweet treat, we recommend stirring currants into scone dough instead of regular raisins.
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They May Offer the Same Health Benefits
Raisins, sultanas and currants benefit your health in a number of ways.
They Have Similar Uses in the Kitchen
Raisins, sultanas and currants are all incredibly versatile and can be eaten alone, as a snack or added to rice dishes, stews, salads, oatmeal and baked goods.
Which Type Should You Choose?
Raisins, sultanas and currants are all highly nutritious and make good substitutes for one another.
The Bottom Line
Raisins, sultanas and currants are different types of dried grapes that are rich in fiber, potassium and antioxidants.
