Processing Processing of California raisins involves a multi-faceted process, including inspection by the USDA to ensure the raisins meet Federal standards. Part of the crop is selected to make raisin juice and raisin paste for commercial applications. Before raisins are unloaded, government inspectors gather samples from the middle of each box to make sure they are free of imperfections. Then they're "processed", size-graded, washed in pure water and moved through a laser sorter to remove any unwanted material. After final inspections, raisins are automatically weighed and packed in a variety of convenient sizes and shipped around North America and the world. Part of the crop is used to make raisin juice (a minimum of 70 percent natural fruit soluble solids) and raisin paste (made from 100 percent raisins), which are added to a variety of foods, including dairy, confectionery and bakery items. Raisin Talk Sweat box ton - 2,000 pounds of unprocessed raisins Short ton - 2,000 pounds of processed raisins Free tonnage - Amount of raisins available for sale A Multi-Faceted Process Custom Application Of Sugar Raisins Inspected By USDA Golden Raisins Ready For Grading Golden Raisins Removed From Dehydrating Trays Raisins Filling Bulk Package Raisins Washed In Pure Water Raisin Laser Sorter The Finest From California It's August in the San Joaquin Valley. Another bountiful season is coming to a close. Trucks are taking loads of raisins from the farmers' yards to the packing plants - a mark of the season's end. Quality Assurance Before raisins are unloaded from their bins, government inspectors take long prods to gather samples from the middle of each box. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards must be met to ensure that each box is free of imperfections. Next, raisins are processed, which means they go through a series of conveyor belts and drums to remove remaining stems, chaff or lightweight fruit. The raisins also are sent through a vacuum air stream to catch any other undesirable materials. Finally, they're size-graded and thoroughly washed in pure water. In preparation for packaging, the raisins are moved through a laser sorter. The sorter's light beams, along with a computer, see if anything besides raisins is passing through the stream. If material other than a raisin is present, the computer sends a burst of air to knock it out of the stream of raisins and down a trough. California raisins are inspected under the most rigid standards. Quality control technicians inspect the raisins by hand throughout the packing process, thus assuring that California raisins are the cleanest, highest quality in the world. After final inspections, raisins are automatically weighed and packed in a variety of convenient sizes. California raisins are then shipped around North America and the world for consumers to enjoy. Raisin Juice From part of the crop, the processors make raisin juice and raisin paste. Raisin juice is a pure extract of raisins. Throughout several processing stages, raisins are leached with water to produce raisin juice. The liquid then is evaporated in a vacuum pan to produce a self-preserving concentrate. Raisin juice concentrate contains a minimum of 70 percent natural fruit soluble solids. It's added to a variety of foods, including dairy, confectionery and bakery items. Raisin juice extends the shelf life of bread products; it is a natural substitute for preservatives; and it sweetens and colors natural baked goods. For confectionery items, raisin juice acts as a sugar substitute and a filling for hard candies and molded chocolates. In crisp cookies and crackers, raisin juice helps control breakage. With chewy or soft cakes and cookies, the raisin juice can help maintain moisture. It also is a natural binding agent in cereal bars. Raisin juice serves as a natural syrup for yogurts and ice cream. It enhances the color and flavor of chocolate milk and ice cream. It also brings out the flavors of condiments and is an all-natural coloring agent. Raisin Paste Raisin paste is made from 100 percent raisins, produced by extruding raisins through a fine mesh screen. Raisin paste can be used to add visual appeal and flavor. It's a stable ingredient that sweetens naturally. Raisin paste is used in sundae-style yogurts and cottage cheese, as well as in ice cream and frozen novelties. It's also found in fruit-filled cereal products, granola bars and extruded breakfast cereals. Raisin paste has excellent sweetening capabilities in fine confectionery fillings and soft-center candies. In bakery items, such as breads, cookies and pastries, the paste inhibits mold, extends shelf life and enhances flavor.