Raisins, or kismis / kishmish as they are called in India, are raisins. There are as many types of kismis as there are grape varieties: green, purple, red, even champagne, to name a few. The most common kismis are made from green seedless grapes called ‘Thompson Seedless’.
Kismis are made from grapes using a three-step process that involves pre-treatment, drying, and post-drying.
Getting under the skin
Kismis are little bags of nutrients.
They are 72% sugars like glucose and fructose and good energizers. They also contain dietary fiber, are rich in certain antioxidants, low in sodium, and do not contain cholesterol. They are also rich in potassium and magnesium.
Radiant skin means fitting in
The skin is the largest organ in the human body. We always say “shining with good health”. The real secret to great skin is good health and proper nutrition.
Kismis contains fiber that swells in the presence of water. This makes them a good digestive aid in maintaining regular bowel movements and thus eliminating waste from the body.
The potassium and magnesium content in kismis helps reduce acidity and thus maintain the pH balance of the body in general and the stomach in particular. This is essential for healthy bodily functions. It also neutralizes stomach acid, which in turn is reflected in healthy, blemish-free skin.
Raisins are also loaded with iron, B complex, and copper – all good for blood production and prevention of anemia. Pale, flaky skin is often the result of low blood counts. A handful of kismis a day will do more wonders than all the beauty aids and skin care products money can buy!
Black kismis, in particular, helps the liver eliminate toxins. A clean body means fair skin.
The amino acids (proteins) and vitamins in kismis help to renew skin cells. All those sun-damaged cells shed and are replaced by their younger cousins. At the same time, the phytochemicals in kismis protect skin cells from damage caused by the sun’s rays. Eating a handful of kismis will help you keep your skin young this way.
The antioxidants in kismis speed up skin repair and “plump up” skin cells, just like fluffing up a pillow. Kismis works magic by removing fine lines, wrinkles, and skin blemishes.
Commercial = Cash
Unfortunately for the human race, quick money is the top consideration in most businesses, even at the cost of good health. This also applies to the commercial production of kismis.
Have you ever seen grapes on the market? They have a generous layer of white powder pesticide that sticks to them even after multiple washes. All of this carries over to kismis. Pesticide residues restrict the liver’s ability to process toxins and remove them from the body.
Commercially grown kismis are also treated with sulfites to enhance their color. This aggravates and causes asthma, respiratory allergies, and others.
Grapes can be grown organically by using biofertilizers like manure and vermicompost. Pests can be kept out by using natural predators such as ladybugs and praying mantises, biopesticides such as a mixture of neem oil and soapy water, and baited traps for common grape pests such as aphids and flea beetles. . Chemical-free grapes mean chemical-free kismis. This is what the discerning consumer should buy.
Buy organic products to take advantage of all the benefits of kismis.
Applications
In truth, kismis can be enjoyed straight out of the container, clean!
Kismis are used in salads, in baked goods such as cakes and cookies, in pastries and desserts.
They are fried and used to decorate savory dishes like pulao and sweets like halwas and kheers.
They can be used as healthy additions to breakfast cereals like muesli and homemade granola bars.
How to buy and store
It would be best to buy an organic brand of kismis with a well-sealed packaging to protect it from moisture and mold.
Choose kismis that are plump and meaty; these dried specimens are of poor quality. There is no taste or benefit to eating them.
Make sure the stock is not old and free of insect pests – humans aren’t the only kismis connoisseurs!
Kismis is not only great for your skin, but it is also great for your overall health. The American College of Cardiology has recommended that eating raisins / kismis three times a day significantly lowers blood pressure. The next time you want to have a snack or something sweet, don’t put that chocolate or those sprinkles in your mouth. Treat yourself to a handful of kismis.
Now that you know the secret to good health and glowing skin, shop for a good organic brand of kismis right away!