History of commercial production of raisins

Commercial raisins production in California began around 1873, the result of three major events; the development of irrigation system, transportation facilities furnished by the railroads and the introduction and distribution of suitable vine planting material.

The hot rainless summer weather of the and Joaquin Valley made it s center of raisin making, which requires four times the amount of fresh grapes that will finally be yielded in dried product.

By 1923 California produced 90% of the raisin in the US and 60% of those throughout the world. The seed ‘Muscat of Alexandria’ was the first major raisin variety grown in California, but this was soon to change with the introduction of a seedless variety that eventually dominate the raisin industry.

Raisins have since 1929 met severe competition in foreign markets and exports have been declining from the peak reached during the marketing season of 1928-29.
History of commercial production of raisins

History of raisins in United States

In the 18th century Spanish missionaries helped farmers in California grow grapes for wine and marketable Muscat for raisin in the 1850s. The sweet Muscat grape produces raisins with flavors that are ideal for meat or fish dishes, cereals, desserts or candies.

The first California raisins were produced in southern California during the 1850s using the Muscat of Alexandria variety. The industry soon moved north and was firmly established in the Fresno area by the 1870s.

Around 1876, a Scottish immigrant, William Thompson, grew a seedless grape variety, Lady deCoverly that was thin skinned, seedless, sweet and tasty.  The first and only survived publicly displayed became known as Thompson’s seedless grape.

Thousands of acres of this grape have been planted in California to produce raisins, wine and table grapes.
History of raisins in United States