Nutritious, Healthy, Safe

“European Currants” is the natural product resulting from the desiccation of the Corinthian Currant – a Greek grape variety (named “Black Currants from Corinth”), which goes under the scientific name Vitis vinifera L.

This variety is characterized by very fine, thin-skinned, extremely juicy and intensely flavored berries. Furthermore, currants are practically seedless, a trait that gains them a distinct competitive advantage when compared to other raisin varieties. Their excellent aroma and rich flavor distinguish them as the world’s best variety.

  • European Currants consist a great ingredient for culinary, bakery, pastry, and much more.

  • P.E.S. Union‘s main products are the following:

    • Currants "VOSTIZZA P.D.O."
    • Currants
    • Sultanas
    • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    • Citrus fruits (Lemons, Oranges)
    • Organic products

about the product

This natural product, as the dried grapes of the same variety, maintains all the characteristics of the fresh grapes, such as high nutritional value, sugars, vitamins, vegetal fibers, antioxidants, minerals and rich aromas.

The product is widely considered as a perfect natural alternative food and sweetener with excellent taste and aromas. Its sugars, glucose and mainly fructose – the sugars of fruits and honey - are monosaccharides which constitute a precious instant energy source.

Currants can be consumed directly as a snack or used as a culinary, bakery or pastry ingredient, maintaining all of their nutritional benefits.

The superior quality of Currants, named “VOSTIZZA”, has been recognized by the European Union, as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product, since 1998.

Production process

Currants processing description:

The grapes are harvested by hand – only after having reached full maturity - during the months of August and September. They are exposed in the open air in specially adapted places, to dry in sunlight or under shade for a period of 12 to 20 days, until their desiccation is completed. This is a naturally occurring process, without the use of any chemicals.

Frequent manual interventions take place, only by hand, allowing the entire surface of the grapes to be exposed to the sun and therefore ensuring uniform dehydration. On average 3 – 3.5 kilos of fresh grapes are required to obtain 1 kilo of Currants. After the removal of dirt, leaves and stems, the product is stored in storages which meet high standards of safety and hygiene

In the modern currants processing plants, the product undergoes strict processes, which include washing with flowing drinking water, removal of damaged berries and foreign objects.

The product is packed after strict quality inspections. It is delivered ready for consumption with fresh, soft and attractive appearance, and totally safe without the addition of conservatives or other substances.

Currants cultivation has flourished in Greece mainly on the coastal parts of Northern and Western Peloponnese and the Ionian islands. The proven ideal soil and climatic conditions of the sea breeze and sunshine contribute to the exceptional quality of this natural product.

History

Cultivation of Currants in the Northern Peloponnese region is reported as early as the 4th century B.C., by the Greek philosopher Aristotle.

By the mid-1500s the cultivation of Currants had spread far and wide throughout Northern Peloponnese. The markets of Central Europe, and particularly the British market, soon came to appreciate the alimentary value and luscious taste of the Currants and its demand therefore drastically increased.

Furthermore, during the 19th century, Currants was one of the most important Greek products exported, mainly to Europe.

Nowadays, Currants is marketed and distributed in almost every country in the world, with the main importers being the EU countries (especially England and Holland), as well as third countries such as Australia and the US.

In accordance with the provisions of Council Regulation No. 3/2008 and Commission Regulation No. 501/2008, the European Union co-finances information provision and promotion measures for agricultural products on the internal market and in third countries.

In the frame of the above Regulations, the Agricultural Cooperatives’ Union of Aeghion (P.E.S.) participates in a three-year EU Currants promotion Program for the markets of Russia, Ukraine, the USA and Canada.

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