How to Dehydrate Grapes

raisins from large red grapes on a white plate

Yes, Raisins are Grapes in Disguise!

Learn how to dehydrate grapes so you can make the juiciest raisins on the planet! Raisins? Yep! Dehydrated grapes make raisins!

You'll find homemade raisins taste better than the boxed variety... and our raisins are far plumper than the compressed stuffed in a box store-bought raisins, too.

Not only that, they just plain taste better!

OK, you could also say that raisins are grapes in disguise! What say you?

TOP Frequently Asked Questions:

TOP question: Dry grapes nutrition?

Please read further down the page for Top 12 Benefits and nutritional content. Also check out this post on Healthline.com regarding grapes.

Are raisins dehydrated grapes?

Quick answer: Yes! Read on to find out how to make your own plump, juicy raisins!

Dry grapes for weight loss? (True or false?)

True! Dried grapes, or raisins, can support weight loss efforts in a few different ways:

  1. Raisins are high in fiber and low in fat - half a cup provides 6 grams of fiber for just 129 calories and 0.1 grams of fat. Fiber gives a feeling of fullness which helps us to stop overeating.
  2. They have a low glycemic index, meaning they do not spike blood our sugar levels the way other sugary snacks would. Stable blood sugar assists appetite control and metabolism.
  3. One compound found in raisins, oleanolic acid, has been shown to increase the activity of hormones that boost satiety sensations after eating (Source: National Library of Medicine).
  4. Their sweet flavor and chewy texture can help curb cravings for candy, cookies, and other high-calorie desserts. This helps reduce excess calorie intake.
  5. Raisins provide us with antioxidants and vitamins that support a healthy metabolism.

So snacking on dried grapes/raisins in moderation makes for an excellent diet-friendly choice. Just be mindful of portion sizes as with any dried fruit due to the concentrated natural sugars when we dry fruits on a dehydrator (or in the oven).

Grapes Nutrition Info.

Did you know that grapes have been dried for thousands of years and have many hidden health benefits?

VITAMINS: Vitamins A, C, and K before they become raisins BUT when they ARE raisins, they have more Choline, Niacin, Folate, and Betaine, with higher trace amounts of Thiamine, and Riboflavin!

MINERALS: Raisins beat grapes hands down in Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, and Fluoride.

Both grapes and raisins contain Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Top 12 Health Benefits of Grapes

I know grapes are good for us... and here is why:

Top 12 Top Health Benefits of Grapes:

  1. Contains antioxidants like resveratrol that protect cells from free radical damage and may help prevent cancer and heart disease.
  2. Provide potassium which helps balance fluids and mineral levels in the body. Important for blood pressure.
  3. Rich in vitamin K which plays a role in proper blood clotting and bone health.
  4. May have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce joint pain and arthritis symptoms.
  5. Their pigments provide vision-protective carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin.
  6. May support healthy digestion due to nutrients like organic acids.
  7. Packed with vitamin C to support immune system function.
  8. B vitamins in grapes, especially vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), assist in red blood cell production.
  9. May help prevent obesity due to polyphenols that suppress fat genes.
  10. Compounds in red grapes may help protect memory, delaying the effects of Alzheimer's.
  11. Nutrients like magnesium and potassium are electrolytes that can boost energy levels.
  12. Excellent sources of hydration due to their high water content. Can help flush toxins.

Check out how to dehydrate more fruits here.

Check out Susan's Tips below!

How to Dehydrate Grapes to Make Sweet, Juicy Raisins

Right now you'll see how to dehydrate grapes (any color) and how easy it is to make fabulous raisins! Choose dark/black grapes for the best-looking (darker) raisins.

Red grapes are popular, so "go red."

Green grapes give you a lighter green/yellowy colored raisin/sultana.

It's Super Easy:

  1. Rinse the grapes and blanch them in a small amount of boiling water
  2. Cut the grapes in half and place them on your food dehydrator sheets, cut side up to prevent drips on the lower trays!
  3. Turn on your dehydrator and set the temperature between 125°F and 135°F (or per your food dehydrator's instructions). 
  4. Drying time: between 6 – 10 hours for small grapes. For large grapes, 10 - 15 hours. Whole (unsliced) grapes: 15 - 36 hours.

Read about blanching here (my page refers to veg, but also applies to certain fruits). Blanching reduces drying time because the quick dip in boiling water cracks the skins allowing the air to "get in there" which aids in drying.

But... and there's always a but! But if you're short on time and don't want to blanch your whole grapes first, skip it!

Keep reading to see how my large red grapes turned out.

  • The raisins, er, dehydrated grapes will feel pliable when sufficiently dried.
  • Remember to rotate your food dehydrator trays, for even drying.

Dehydrating Grapes—Fun to Do...
Everybody Loves Raisins!

Sliced large red grapes on Nesco dehydrator on a Clean-a-Screen"cut-side" up!

And here they are, 15 hours later!

raisins from large red grapes after 15 hours of drying

Whole vs Half... and Blanching

If you blanch WHOLE grapes first (see step one in the pink "how to" box above) you can save a ton of drying time in the dehydrator.

But I'm lazy. I skipped the blanching step and simply cut them in half after rinsing them. I put them "cut side up" on the Nesco dehydrator sheets that are called Clean-a-Screen so the grape juice doesn't drip down to the trays below!

These Clean-a-Screens really help with clean up, as their name implies! Just a quick wipe-over of the actual tray with a damp dishcloth after the Clean-a-Screen is taken out is all you need.

For cleaning the removable Clean-a-Screens: I use Dawn Powerwash spray and let it sit a few seconds (in the bottom of my sink) and then use a scrubby pad to clean both sides.

You can either let them air dry in a dish drainer, or dry with a super absorbent dish towel (I use bamboo dish towels, they are awesome!)

Raisins made from red grapes

Because I didn't blanch them whole first, the drying time took 15 hours at 135°F. Drying times vary, depending on room temperature and humidity.

I once tried drying the grapes 'whole' but the trays got really sticky... and they took far longer to dehydrate. Cutting the grapes in half is how I do it.

red grapes bunch

There's something about homemade raisins.

They have that sweetness, but also a great tangy/tart taste too! (Try saying that fast three times!)

I hope you enjoyed learning how to dehydrate grapes so you can make your own raisins!

You'll find they are really easy to make and are larger and much juicier than the boxed store variety too.

How to Dehydrate Grapes TIP: Cut Grapes IN HALF... Saves on Drying Time

Reminder: If drying your grapes whole, the drying time jumps to 15 to 36 hours, even with blanching, so please bear that in mind.

I highly recommend cutting the grapes in half AND drying them "cut side up" so they don't drip, as mentioned earlier!

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Begin by Using a Good Sharp Knife!

Check out this great chef's knife with a full tang that means the handle and blade "are one" so they can't come apart when we're slicin' and a dicin'.

I know these Cutluxe Chef knives may be a little expensive, but they do last pretty much a lifetime when you maintain their cutting edges.

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Raisins from Green Grapes...

These golden raisins are often called sultanas. Commercially, they treat them with sulfur dioxide to retain the lighter color of the grape. But we don't have to!

For the green grapes, I simply wash and slice the grapes in half, without blanching first. It works a treat! And zero additives.

sliced green grapes on a Nesco dehydrator
Dehydrating Green Grapes on a Nesco dehydrator

Grapes are Great for Snacking and in Smoothies

berry smoothie cocktails

As you very well know, raisins make snacking easy—whether you're sat at home or are getting sunshine and exercise while backpacking in the great outdoors!

Also, they're great nutrition for kids... Add grapes to fruit roll-ups too and for added sweetness to smoothies!

Raisins are also great in bread recipes and in your breakfast cereal.

As mentioned at the top of the page, you'll notice that your homemade raisins are plumper, and a little more moist.

I absolutely love 'em and you will too!