Malayer Sulfur-Treated Raisins

Sulfur-Treated Raisins, also known as “Sabzeh,” are made using a sulfur solution. The sulfur process accelerates the drying of fruits, including grapes. The sulfur solution is made by dissolving 5 kilograms of potassium carbonate powder and 2 liters of Sabzeh oil in 100 liters of lukewarm water. Potassium carbonate creates grooves on the surface of the grape berries, speeding up the evaporation of water, while Sabzeh oil helps soften the raisins. This method takes about 5 to 8 days for drying the grapes, and the micronutrients and vitamins in the raisins are preserved due to the shorter drying process.
It is worth noting that sulfur can reduce the taste, odor, and quality of the raisins, and excessive consumption of sulfur-treated raisins can be carcinogenic. Due to the oil in the sulfur solution, this type of raisin has a slightly shiny, oily surface, which is the best indicator of sulfur-treated raisins. The color of sulfur-treated raisins is yellowish-brown or date-like in tone.