Both are raisins
The international raisin standard recognises seedless raisins from naturally seedless or nearly seedless grapes. It also recognises seed-bearing raisins from grapes with seeds, where the seeds may or may not be removed.
In Indian shops, seedless are usually sold as kishmish or bedana. Seeded ones go by munakka or manuka.
A little history
Before the 1920s, raisins commonly had seeds. In California, Muscat of Alexandria dominated raisin production until then. Removing seeds from the grape before drying was slow, hand-heavy work.
By 1925 Thompson Seedless had largely taken over. Today it is said to supply about 95 per cent of raisins there. That is one reason seedless raisins became the usual packed product.
What differs in the hand
One trade guide describes seedless raisins as soft, smooth and even in size. It describes seeded raisins as firmer and slightly chewy, with a richer, stronger flavour.
Another account notes that raisins from seeded grapes can feel gritty or crunchy if the seeds are left in. This is the main practical point. You need a plan for the seeds.
What a seeded grape looks like
Muscat Hamburg, the grape known in Cumbum as panneer thiratchai, has medium to large berries with dark skin. Fresh berries contain a few small seeds. It makes up most of Tamil Nadu's grape crop.
When these berries are dried, the seeds stay inside unless someone takes them out.
How to eat seeded dry grapes
- As a snack: bite gently, take the seeds out and discard them.
- In kheer, pulao or laddu: slit each one and remove the seeds first, or chop the fruit after taking them out.
- Soaked: soak first, then press out the seeds with your thumb. Soaked fruit is softer and easier to open.
- For small children: remove all seeds in advance.
How to choose
- Choose seedless if you want to add them straight into mixes, bakes or cereal without any prep.
- Choose seeded if you like a bigger, chewier berry and a fuller flavour, and you do not mind removing seeds.
- For sweets or gifting, think about who will be eating. Guests may not want to handle seeds.
The same trade guide says seeded raisins are generally more economical, and seedless cost more because of the processing convenience. Check prices with your supplier.
What the label should say
The raisin standard says words such as "seeded" may be added to the name where they apply. A pack that is clear about this saves a surprise at home.
For standards, the same document sets a higher maximum moisture limit for the seeded style, 19 per cent, than for other styles at 18 per cent. That is a technical point for buyers, and the reason is not stated in the standard.
MM Rooted Ventures sells seeded dry grapes made from Panneer grapes.
Frequently asked questions
Do seeded dry grapes have to be deseeded before cooking?
It is best to remove the seeds before using them in kheer, pulao or laddu. Seeds can be gritty when bitten.
Which is sweeter, seeded or seedless?
It depends on the grape and the drying. One trade guide describes seeded raisins as richer and stronger in flavour and seedless as milder.
Is munakka seeded or seedless?
Munakka is made from larger black grapes that contain seeds.