Kishmish Golden Raisins

Kishmish Golden Raisins come from heirloom grape varieties found in Kandahar, southern Afghanistan. With an impressively high brix sugar content as they ripen on the vine, these raisins retain an exceptional percentage of fructose once dried, making them substantially sweeter and juicier than other raisins. At Regalis, this indulgent sweetness and snackably chewy texture inspired us to give these oblong, greenish yellow fruits the nickname of “gummy bear raisins.” In addition to being delightful by the handful, Kishmish are remarkably effective at elevating pastries, breads, and deserts, from pain aux raisins, to babka, to halvah.

Like many other nuts and dried fruits found primarily in Afghanistan, Kishmish Raisins have long been cherished in Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines, only recently gaining recognition in western specialty food scenes. Ziba Foods, based in Kabul, continues doing the incredibly rewarding work of introducing these heirloom ingredients to a far wider audience, while simultaneously upholding an impactful operation at the source. In addition to supporting small-scale family farms throughout Afghanistan, Ziba also maintains an 80% women workforce at their headquarters in the capital.

Kandahar, Afghanistan