Zante currant

The Zante currant is a variety of small, sweet, seedless grape named after the island of Zakynthos (Zante), which is part of the Ionian Islands of Greece. It is also known as Black Corinth or Corinth and is one of the oldest known raisins. The first written record of it dates back to 75 AD.

Etymology

The name "Zante currant" is derived from the island of Zakynthos (Zante), which is part of the Ionian Islands of Greece. The term "currant" in English and its equivalents in various languages derive from Corinth, referring to the ancient city-state. The term "raisin" is a loanword from Old French; in modern French, raisin means "grape," while a dried grape is referred to as a "raisin sec" (dry grape).

Cultivation and Production

Zante currants are produced in many regions of the world, including Greece, Australia, and California in the United States. The grape is very small and sweet, with a high sugar content. It is typically dried to produce a raisin. This process takes about three weeks and results in a currant that is dark in color.

Uses

Zante currants are used in cooking and baking, particularly in traditional Greek and Cypriot dishes. They are also used in the production of certain types of wine.

Related Terms

• Grape
• Raisin
• Corinth
• Zakynthos

See Also

• List of grape varieties
• List of raisin varieties
• List of Greek dishes

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