Dole Superkids

The first raisins were probably grapes that had dried naturally on the vine. More than 3,000 years ago, people were making raisins by picking grapes and laying them out in the sun to dry. The Egyptians discovered the principle of sun-drying fruits. Today, raisins that are sun-dried still go through a very similar process.

About 1,000 years ago, travelers to the Middle East brought raisins back to Europe. They were a precious trade item in the Near East and also highly valued in ancient Rome. Did you know over 200 years ago, Queen Isabella of Spain (who sent Christopher Columbus off to America), sent Spanish missionaries with raisins to Mexico and California?

In the San Joaquin Valley of California, the raisin industry began booming in the 1870's after a heat wave dried the grape crop on the vine. Farmers found the best spot for growing raisins near Fresno in the San Joaquin Valley. Today, 95 percent of all raisins grown in the United States come from California, within 50 miles of Fresno. California supplies much of the world's raisin market.