RAISIN

Staple food in biblical lands made by drying grapes on housetops. Raisins were used as gifts (1 Sm 25:18; 2 Sm 16:1-3), sometimes offered to false gods (Hos 3:1), and considered a source of nourishment (1 Sm 30:12; 1 Chr 12:40).

See also Food and Food Preparation.