California Raisin and Pumpkin Spice Bread Photo courtesy https://calraisins.org/recipe/california-raisin-and-pumpkin-spice-bread/

California Raisin and Pumpkin Spice Bread

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FRESNO — “The story of California Raisins can be traced to the late 1800s when growers in the San Joaquin Valley began experimenting with drying grapes as a way to preserve their harvest. The first commercially successful raisin production was established in Fresno in 1873, and by the turn of the century, California was the largest producer of raisins in the world. Throughout the 20th century, California Raisins became an iconic symbol of the state’s agricultural heritage. In the 1980s, the California Raisins even became the stars of a popular animated television series, further cementing their place in American culture.”

The Friends of the Fresno Fair – Armenian Exhibit adds, “Some of the first Armenian raisin farmers in Fresno County include the Seropian Brothers, Stepan Shahamirian, and Melkon Markarian. Before the advent of commercial packing houses, farmers did their own basic packing and would ship their product by mule or train. Most of the raisins at that time were made from Muscat grapes. It was in the early 1920s that several Armenian-owned packing houses were established, including Lion Packing Company in Fresno (still operating today as Lion Raisins), Tusan Packing in Sanger, Enoch Packing in Del Rey, and Del Rey Packing (still being operated today by the Chooljian family). Armenian packers currently control over half the raisins produced in the United States.”

The California Raisins website states, “History indicates that raisins were discovered for the first time by accident when they were found in the dried form on vines as early as 2000 BC. Wall paintings from ancient times show that dried fruits were consumed and used as decorations in the Mediterranean regions of Europe. Historians tell us the ancient Phoenicians and Armenians took the first steps in perfecting viticulture, the process of grape growing and selection. The Phoenicians and Armenians then began to trade raisins with the Greeks and the Romans who consumed them in large quantities. As the popularity of the raisins grew, so did their value. They were given as prizes in sporting events, used as barter to trade, and used as a cure for what ails you.”

“California Raisins are 100% fruit and this fruit has many benefits that help to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Raisins are enjoyed worldwide and are a staple ingredient in many cuisines. They are not only used in sweet dishes like desserts and baked goods but also find their way into savory recipes, adding a unique depth of flavor. The history and origins of raisins have shaped their significance in culinary traditions, making them a versatile and beloved ingredient in cooking, like in this California Raisin and Pumpkin Spice Bread. And don’t forget the icing.”

Ingredients:

3 cups pastry flour

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1 cup whole wheat flour

1  teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon double acting baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

3 cups solid pack canned pumpkin

1 cup granulated sugar (part brown sugar, if desired)

1 cup olive oil

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup California golden raisins

1 cup California natural raisins

1 cup toasted green pumpkin seeds (or chopped walnuts or pecans)

2 tablespoons raw (untoasted) pumpkin seeds (pepitas); for garnish

 

Cinnamon Glaze:

1 cup confectioners’ sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Brush four 5-1/2 x 3-inch loaf pans, lightly, with olive oil and set aside. Mix flours, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and spices together in medium mixing bowl. In another bowl, combine pumpkin, sugar, olive oil, eggs and vanilla; mix together well, and add to mixing bowl with dry ingredients. Stir to combine will. Gently stir in raisins and 1/2 cup toasted pumpkin seeds. Divide, evenly, and turn into oiled loaf pans. Sprinkle tops, generously with raw pumpkin seeds.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until top of loaf feels firm when touched and wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Set aside in pans to cool for a few minutes; then, turn onto wire rack and cool to room temperature.

Meanwhile, for Cinnamon Glaze, measure sugar and cinnamon into small bowl; stir together well. Add and stir in lemon juice until smooth; divide and drizzle over loaves.

Serves: 24

Note: Chopped walnuts or pecans may be substituted for the pumpkin seeds. When icing is set, loaves may be wrapped tightly and frozen to thaw and serve within 2 to 3 months.

Recognized as the first Armenians to permanently settle in the area, the Seropians first stepped foot on Fresno soil in 1881.Originally from Marsovan, they immigrated to Massachusetts—where they were merchants—before making the trek out to California seeking improved health and better opportunities. They would later become the first Armenians to buy property in Fresno, the first to start a business (a general store in downtown), and the first to pack and ship fruit.. Photo: https://www.armeniansfresno.com/seropian-brothers.php

Raisin Administrative Committee
2445 Capitol Street, Suite 200

Fresno, CA 93721-2236

Phone: (559) 225-0520

Fax: (559) 225-0652

https://www.raisins.org/

The Raisin Administrative Committee (RAC) is a federal marketing order, led by 47 growers, packers, and a public member. The RAC is directly overseen by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and was created in 1949 as a result of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937. The RAC meets regularly at their headquarters in downtown Fresno, collects and distributes delivery data weekly, shipment data monthly, publishes an annual report of industry statistics and policies, actively and directly markets into 19 foreign nations, and collaborates with the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). California Raisins are inspected under the most rigid standards by both plant quality control technicians and USDA inspectors throughout the packaging process, thus assuring that California Raisins are the cleanest, highest quality in the world. After final inspections, raisins are automatically weighed and packed in a variety of bulk industrial and convenient retail sizes. California Raisins are shipped throughout North America and the world for consumers to enjoy. For videos and information, see: https://californiaraisins.ca/industry/

For information about the California Raisin Marketing Board, see: https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/Exhibit%208%20CRMB-RAC_Industry_Brochureweb2016LR.pdf

Connect at:

https://californiaraisins.ca/

https://californiaraisins.ca/about-california-raisins/

https://californiaraisins.ca/recipes/

https://caraisins.com/browse-recipes/

https://caraisins.com/history/

https://www.facebook.com/raisins.ca

https://www.facebook.com/racasean

https://www.instagram.com/raisins.ca/

https://www.pinterest.com/raisinsca/

For this recipe, go to: https://calraisins.org/recipe/california-raisin-and-pumpkin-spice-bread/

For raisin recipes, see: https://calraisins.org/recipe/

Also:

See Seropian Brothers at: https://www.armeniansfresno.com/seropian-brothers.php

See Friends of the Fresno Fair Armenian Exhibit at: https://www.armeniansfresno.com/

See: https://hyesharzhoom.com/armenians-in-the-raisin-industry-1890-1990/

See: https://www.facebook.com/armenianexcellence/videos/armenians-and-raisins-its-only-a-weird-combination-if-you-dont-know-the-history-/382433565947605/

Copyright © 2024 California Raisins. All rights reserved.

 

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