Turkey enjoys the perfect climate to grow grapes which production dates back to 35000 BC. Today about a quarter of the worlds dried grapes is produced in the Aegean region of Turkey. Izmir Sultanas, as they were once known, are dipped and sundried on drying beds at the time of harvest. Raisins, on the other hand, which are produced from the same fresh grape, are simply layered to dry, skipping the dipping process.
