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.

Some recipes suggest plumping the dried currants before use.  You can do this by placing the currants in a small bowl covered with water or even sherry or brandy and allow to sit for at least 30 minutes. Drain the dried currants well before use and discard the soaking liquid unless your recipe states otherwise.

Substitute For Dried Currants

If you don't have currants you can substitute equal amounts of:

• Use any other type of black or golden raisins
• OR - Chopped soft prunes make a reasonable substitution.
• OR - Chopped black pitted dates which are flavorful and have lots of iron.
• OR - Use dried cranberries which are a little more tart
• OR - Dried cherries which like dried cranberries are very high in vitamin C will work well too.