For the Love of Organics: Raisins

Raisins—those little wrinkled orbs of sweetness! Whether you toss them in your morning oatmeal, in Caribbean or Persian style rice, or enjoy them as “ants on a log” or straight out of the bag, raisins bring a sweet chewy treat to every bite. There are more than 10,000 different types of grapes, but only a handful of varieties are dried to make raisins, 95 percent of which are made from a type called Thompson Seedless grapes because of their high productivity, soil adaptability, and seedless fruit.

Sweet Treats and Bitter Truths 

Grapes are one of the most heavily sprayed fruits, and their dried counterparts, raisins, carry high levels of pesticide residues. In 2018, the USDA tested raisins for the first time since 2007 and found that 99 percent of non-organic raisins had at least two pesticide residues. On average, the USDA tests found 16 different pesticides per sample. Yikes! This level of contamination would put raisins at the top of the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen list (if dried fruits were included). Now if this weren’t enough, the types of pesticides used in conventional grape farming are particularly concerning…

Neonics?! No Way!

Neonicotinoids are a class of synthetic pesticides that target insects’ nervous systems, and have also been linked to harming brain development in humans. These chemicals impair bees’ ability to forage, navigate, and reproduce, ultimately leading to colony collapse, and studies have shown neonicotinoids to be a major cause of worldwide bee population decline. One such neonic, imidacloprid, was detected on 84 percent of the raisins the USDA tested. Since organic farming prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides like neonics, organic raisins provide a bee-friendly alternative that is safer for all. Something as simple as choosing organic raisins helps to protect these vital pollinators, now that’s sweet!

Raisin’ the Bar on Processing Standards

Unfortunately, concerns about synthetic sprays don’t stop at the growing stage—drying processes can lead to higher concentrations of pesticide residues. What’s more, after the fruits are dried, conventional methods fumigate raisins with toxic gases to ward off pests during the storing and shipping phases, and studies have shown that fumigants such as ethylene oxide used on raisins and other dried fruits can leave harmful residues. It should be noted the USDA doesn’t test for fumigant residues. The fumigation process also puts workers in harm’s way of these dangerous fumigants, including reproductive effects and neurological damage. Organic standards prohibit the use of these fumigants, keeping them out of our lungs, off of our food, and out of the atmosphere.

The next time you’re shopping for raisins, go for the organic ones—you’ll be doing something sweet for yourself and the Earth!

Try Our Spiced Raisin Bread Recipe

This delicious gluten-free quick bread with plump raisins, good4u™ applesauce, and warming spices makes a perfect treat anytime. It takes just minutes to whip up and the smell of the bread baking will fill the house with sweet anticipation.

Spiced Raisin Bread

Gluten Free|Legume Free|Seed Free|Dairy Free|Vegetarian

Serves Total Time

1 loaf (~12 slices) 70-80 minutes + time to cool

Description

This delicious gluten-free* quick bread with plump raisins, good4u™ applesauce, and warming spices makes a perfect treat anytime. It takes just minutes to whip up and the smell of the bread baking will fill the house with sweet anticipation.

Ingredients

• 2⁄3 cup Natural Grocers® Brand Bulk Organic Seedless Raisins

• ~1 cup hot water

• 1 cup gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour

• 1⁄2 cup Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Almond Flour

• 1⁄2 cup gluten-free rolled oats

• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Baking Powder

• 2 teaspoons Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend

• 1⁄8 teaspoon Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Real Salt

• 2 organic pasture-based eggs, at room temp

• 1⁄2 cup Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Coconut Sugar

• 3⁄4 cup Natural Grocers Brand Organic Applesauce

• 1⁄4 cup Natural Grocers Brand Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, melted and slightly cooled

Optional, for topping

1 medium organic baking apple, peeled, sliced, and sautéed in butter until soft

Directions

1. Soak the raisins in a small bowl with just enough hot water to cover them.

2. Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease a standard loaf pan with coconut oil and line the bottom with a piece of parchment that overhangs the two long sides to easily remove the bread from the pan once baked.

3. Add the flour, almond flour, oats, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt to a mixing bowl. Whisk well to combine and break up any clumps.

4. In another large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, then add the sugar and mix well. Stir in the applesauce and then slowly add the coconut oil while mixing. Mix until the liquids are well combined.

5. Thoroughly drain the raisins and pat them dry with a paper towel or a clean tea towel. Add them to the dry ingredients, stirring to coat and separate them.

6. Add half the liquid to the flour mixture, mix well. Add the remaining liquid and again mix well. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, tapping the bottom on the counter several times to even out the batter and encourage air bubbles to rise to the top.

7. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes, or until the top is browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Allow the bread to cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan before lifting it out by the parchment and allowing it to cool completely (you can cool it completely in the pan, but it will take longer). Enjoy toasted with Natural Grocers Brand Organic Plant-Based Buttery Spread or Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. Store any leftovers in an air-tight container on the counter for three days or the fridge for five days.

   
   

*Natural Grocers Brand Bulk ingredients are packaged in a plant that processes gluten.

Nutrition Information

per one serving

Calories	Carbs	Protein	Fat	Fiber
204 kcal	31 g	4 g	8 g	2 g