Can I infuse my own raisins?
I quite like lime-infused raisins (like these), but they're kind of pricey compared to regular raisins. Are they made by some process I can emulate at home? Is it just a matter of soaking and then drying? Or adding small amounts of liquid? Or is this an industrial process I can't easily replicate?
Best Answer
I am not sure what you mean by lime-infused raisins but let me explain what I do to my raisins for scones. I usually soak them in Gran Marnier Liquour, anywhere from 4 hours to 24 hours. I put the raisins in a glass bowl or big cup, covering the raisins with the Liquour. It depends on how much flavor I want the raisins to have. Then I strain the raisins and set aside the liquour for either another receipe or someone usually wants to drink it. I put the raisins in the scones. My nieces and nephews just love them, their moms tell me because it's just like eating booze, and of course, when I make it for them, I do use more raisins and soak them more than 24 hours for the flavor. I use the white raisins. Now for your question.
YES I do believe that if you squeeze enough fresh lime juice to cover the raisins, you will achieve your goal. My only tiny problem is that the lime juice might break down the raisins because of the acidity in the lime juice. So, what I would do is try one cup of raisins, cover with fresh lime juice and check in 2 hours, if ok continue, if you want more flavor wait 2 more hours and check again and make sure not only for flavor but for the break down of the raisins due to the acidity. What raisins did you eat? White, red, concord, there are so many types, that I am not sure which would hold up to the acidity.
Now for the drying. Put them in a very low temp oven, 200 degrees about one hour, checking every 20 minutes, checking to make sure that they do not burn or put in a food dehydrator. Then let them cool. Look this up on Google also. I am giving you my own experience. My Auntie used to soak her raisins for some of her cookies in Brandy, Whiskey, Vodka and whatever liquour she thought would be interesting. She was an excellent cook and baker and owned a restaurant. Her booze soaked rice raisin pudding was awesome.
The old way and even today is to put outside on mesh, covered on both side with cheesecloth so insects and birds or other undesirables will not get to. This might take a little while, a few days to a week or two depending on hot it is outside. I would check this every day or so also.
You could also let them stay plump, leave in the fridge, and take out and eat what you want as you want it. A little juicy but still tasty. Sounds delicious and in a fruit salad. I bet this would be awesome. I have a lemon tree and white raisins and will try this out myself this week. I bet this will be a big hit! Good Balance with sweet fruit. Hope this info helps you.
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Can you flavor raisins?
Try using flavored liquids to 'plump' the raisins with, like orange or pineapple juice, Brandy or other spirits, but even just water will make them sweeter. Soak the raisins in enough hot liquid to cover them for about 10-15 minutes, (or until plump) then drain and serve once cool.How do you add flavor to raisins?
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What do you soak raisins in?
Loosening, Softening, and SoakingMake Your Own RAISINS~No dehydrator~TRY it!!
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Answer 2
In addition to soaking in juice as the other answer mentioned, you might also try tossing them with lime oil and citric acid. You'd only need a drop or two, and you'd want to be sure to toss them a lot (or maybe put them in a bag and massage it?) to work the oil around evenly. The citric acid would just be to give them a bit of tartness, and appears to be in the ingredients of the brand you linked to anyway. It would definitely give a strong kick of lime flavor without the risk of making them soggy.
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