How to Dehydrate Grapes
for Nature’s Candy Anytime

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Susan Gast | Author and blogger at Bored Boomers, Beesville Books, A New Sober You and Easy Food Dehydrating

Learn how to dehydrate grapes so you can make the juiciest raisins on the planet! Raisins? Yep! Dehydrated grapes make raisins!


Yes, Raisins are Just Grapes in Disguise!

raisins from large red grapes on a white plate

You'll find homemade raisins taste better than the boxed variety... and our raisins are far plumper than the compressed stuffed in a box store-bought raisins, too.

Not only that, they just plain taste better!

OK, you could also say that raisins are grapes in disguise! What say you?

Your Top Questions About Dehydrating Grapes—Answered!

Are raisins really just dehydrated grapes?

Yes! When you remove the moisture from grapes, you get raisins. The magic happens in a dehydrator, where the grapes shrink but keep all their natural sweetness. Bonus: Homemade raisins are plumper and juicier than the store-bought kind!

Are dried grapes good for weight loss?

Absolutely! Raisins can be a great snack for weight management because:
✔ High in fiber, low in fat – Keeps you feeling full longer
✔ Low glycemic index – Helps control blood sugar and reduce cravings
✔ Oleanolic acid – A compound that helps curb hunger
✔ Naturally sweet – Satisfies sugar cravings without processed junk

Just be mindful of portions, as dried fruit is more calorie-dense than fresh.

Do raisins have the same nutrients as fresh grapes?

Yes, but with some differences! Raisins are more concentrated in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, while fresh grapes retain more vitamin C and water content. The drying process intensifies certain nutrients, making raisins a powerhouse snack!

How long does it take to dehydrate grapes?

Drying times vary based on grape size and whether you cut them:

  • Small halved grapes: 6-10 hours
  • Large halved grapes: 10-15 hours
  • Whole grapes (blanched): 15-24 hours
  • Whole grapes (unblanched): Up to 36 hours

For best results, cut them in half (or quarters!) to speed up drying and improve texture.

Do I need to blanch grapes before dehydrating?

Blanching (a quick dip in boiling water) helps break the skin so moisture escapes faster. It’s optional, but highly recommended if drying whole grapes. If you cut them in half, you can skip the blanching!

What’s the best way to store homemade raisins?

For long-lasting freshness:

What’s Inside a Grape? Nutrition Information

Did you know that grapes have been dried for thousands of years and have many hidden health benefits?

VITAMINS: Vitamins A, C, and K before they become raisins BUT when they ARE raisins, they have more Choline, Niacin, Folate, and Betaine, with higher trace amounts of Thiamine, and Riboflavin!

MINERALS: Raisins beat grapes hands down in Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, and Fluoride.

Both grapes and raisins contain Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

12 Powerful Reasons to Eat More Grapes (and Raisins!)

I know grapes are good for us... and here is why:

Top 12 Top Health Benefits of Grapes:

  1. Contains antioxidants like resveratrol that protect cells from free radical damage and may help prevent cancer and heart disease.
  2. Provide potassium which helps balance fluids and mineral levels in the body. Important for blood pressure.
  3. Rich in vitamin K which plays a role in proper blood clotting and bone health.
  4. May have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce joint pain and arthritis symptoms.
  5. Their pigments provide vision-protective carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin.
  6. May support healthy digestion due to nutrients like organic acids.
  7. Packed with vitamin C to support immune system function.
  8. B vitamins in grapes, especially vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), assist in red blood cell production.
  9. May help prevent obesity due to polyphenols that suppress fat genes.
  10. Compounds in red grapes may help protect memory, delaying the effects of Alzheimer's.
  11. Nutrients like magnesium and potassium are electrolytes that can boost energy levels.
  12. Excellent sources of hydration due to their high water content when eaten raw. Can help flush toxins.

Check out how to dehydrate other kinds of fruits here.

Check out Susan's Tips below!

How to Dehydrate Grapes: Juicy, Chewy, and Delicious!

Get ready to dehydrate grapes of any color and turn them into delicious, plump raisins!

For the richest, darkest raisins, opt for black or dark red grapes.

If you love classic red raisins, go for red grapes.

Prefer a lighter, golden hue? Green grapes will give you beautiful sultanas with a mild, sweet flavor.

It's Super Easy to Make Raisins:

  1. Rinse the grapes and blanch them in a small amount of boiling water if drying whole.
  2. Cut the grapes in half (or quarters) and place them on your food dehydrator sheets, cut side up to prevent drips on the lower trays!
  3. Turn on your dehydrator and set the temperature between 125°F and 135°F (or per your food dehydrator's instructions). 
  4. Drying time: Small grapes: Between 6 – 10 hours. For large grapes, 10 - 15 hours. Whole (unsliced) grapes: 15 - 36 hours.

💡 Tip: Use our Fahrenheit to Celsius converter here on our site!

Read about blanching here (my page refers to veg, but also applies to certain fruits). Blanching reduces drying time because the quick dip in boiling water cracks the skins allowing the air to "get in there" which aids in drying.

But... and there's always a but! But if you're short on time and don't want to blanch your whole grapes first, you have my permission to skip it! :-)

See how my large red grapes turned out, scroll down a bit.

  • Dehydrated grapes will feel pliable when sufficiently dried.
  • Remember to rotate your food dehydrator trays, for even drying.

Everybody Loves Raisins!

Sliced large red grapes on Nesco dehydrator on a Clean-a-ScreenHere's how to dehydrate grapes: "cut-side" up!

And here they are, approximately 15 hours later!

raisins from large red grapes after 15 hours of drying

The Secret to Plump, Chewy Raisins—It’s All in the Prep

If you blanch WHOLE grapes first (see step one in the pink "how to" box above) you can save a ton of drying time in the dehydrator.

But I'm lazy. I skipped the blanching step and simply cut them in half after rinsing them. I put them "cut side up" on the Nesco dehydrator sheets that are called Clean-a-Screen so the grape juice doesn't drip down to the trays below!

These Clean-a-Screens really help with clean up, as their name implies! Just a quick wipe-over of the actual tray with a damp dishcloth after the Clean-a-Screen is taken out is all you need.

For cleaning the removable Clean-a-Screens: I use Dawn Powerwash spray and let it sit a few seconds (in the bottom of my sink) and then use a scrubby pad to clean both sides.

You can either let them air dry in a dish drainer, or dry with a super absorbent dish towel (I use dish towels made from bamboo, they are awesome!)

Raisins made from red grapes

Because I didn't blanch them whole first, the drying time took 15 hours at 135°F. Drying times do vary, depending on the room temperature and humidity.

I used to dry the grapes 'whole' but the trays got really sticky... and they took far longer to dehydrate. Cutting the grapes in half is how I now make raisins.

red grapes bunch

Homemade raisins have that sweetness, but also a great tangy/tart taste too! (Try saying that fast five times!)

You'll find they are really easy to make and are larger and much juicier than the boxed store variety too.

Want to Save Time? Here’s Why You Should Cut Grapes in Half

Reminder: If drying your grapes whole, the drying time jumps to 15 to 36 hours, even with blanching, so please bear that in mind.

I highly recommend cutting the grapes in half AND drying them "cut side up" so they don't drip, as mentioned earlier!

The Best Knife for Cutting Grapes (and Everything Else!)

Cutluxe 8
Cutluxe 8" Chef Knife, Full Tang

Begin by Using a Good Sharp Knife by Cutluxe!

Check out this great chef's knife with a full tang that means the handle and blade "are one" so they can't come apart when we're slicin' and a dicin'.

I know these Cutluxe Chef knives may be a little expensive, but they do last pretty much a lifetime when you maintain their cutting edges.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. The price you pay does not increase.  Read disclosure here.

Golden Raisins from Green Grapes—Naturally!

These golden raisins are often called sultanas. Commercially, they treat them with sulfur dioxide to retain the lighter color of the grape. But we don't have to!

For the green grapes, I simply wash and slice the grapes in half, without blanching first. It works a treat! And zero additives.

sliced green grapes on a Nesco dehydrator
Dehydrating Green Grapes on a Nesco dehydrator

Raisins: The Ultimate Snack for Home, Hiking & Smoothies

berry smoothie cocktails

As you very well know, raisins make snacking easy—whether you're sat at home or are getting sunshine and exercise while backpacking in the great outdoors!

Also, they're great nutrition for kids... Add grapes to fruit roll-ups too and for added sweetness to smoothies!

Raisins are also great in bread recipes and in your breakfast cereal.

As mentioned at the top of the page, you'll notice that your homemade raisins are plumper, and a little more moist.

I absolutely love 'em and you will too!

I hope you enjoyed learning how to dehydrate grapes so you can make your own raisins!

Get Your Free Guide to Dehydrating Like a Pro!

Don't forget to grab your free Six Simple Steps eBook! It’s packed with tips for dehydrating everything from fruits and veggies to dog treats. Get it here.

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