Raisins are one of the most quantitatively exported dried fruits of Afghanistan’s agricultural products. Due to Afghanistan’s suitable climate, there are more than 120 types of grapes growing in the region. Top high-quality raisins are produced from some of these types of grapes.

Based on the region and province, different kinds of raisins are produced, such as Green raisins, Black raisins, Sultana raisins, Abjush Raisins, and more. Based on the type of grape, drying process, and preservation method used, the produced raisins come in different colors and sizes.

Green Raisins There are two types of the most common produced seedless green raisins in Afghanistan: long green raisins and round green raisins. Long green raisins are produced from Shundo-Khani type grapes, and round green raisins are produced from seedless Kismishi type grapes. The drying process occurs in the shade, either with or without preservation solutions. With preservation, the color of the raisins is preserved green because the drying period is shorter (6-12 days). Additionally, green raisins can be produced without any preservation, but the color becomes dark green as the drying period lengthens (20-40 days).

Red Raisins (Kishmish Aftabi or Kishmish Palawi) The color of red raisins varies from red to dark red, while some types of berries are similar to green raisins. The difference between red or dark red raisins and green raisins lies in the drying process. Red raisins are sun-dried without any preservation or solution to shorten the drying period, whereas green raisins are shadow-dried and use solutions to speed up drying and preserve the green color of the berries.

Black or Qaisari Raisins Black Raisins are one of the most famous raisins of Afghanistan worldwide. The grapevines grow in the Qaisar district of Faryab province in northwestern Afghanistan. The region’s climate is unique for growing this type of black seedless grape. Black raisins are produced naturally in the sun and shade without any chemical materials or preservation solutions.

Shadow-dried black raisins have more moisture and elasticity than sun-dried black raisins. Both shadow-dried and sun-dried black raisins are dried without any preservation. Sun-dried black raisins take 7 to 14 days to dry, while shadow-dried black raisins take 40 to 50 days, depending on the region’s summer days and temperature..  

There are three grades of sun-dried shadow-dried black raisins available.

Grade AAA

The process includes:

Cleaning grapes whether washed or unwashed

Stemming after drying period complete

Moisture reducing to a level that assures preservation of raisins.

Moisture reducing to a level that assuring preservation of raisins.