1. Grape Harvesting: Sultana grapes are typically harvested in late summer or early autumn when they are fully ripe and have reached their optimum sugar content.
2. Drying Process:
- Traditional Sun Drying: The traditional method of making sultanas involves drying the grapes under the sun. The grapes are spread out in shallow layers on drying trays or racks and left in the sun for several days.
- Mechanical Drying: In some cases, mechanical dryers are used to accelerate the drying process, especially in regions where weather conditions are not favorable for sun drying.
3. Turning and Sorting:
- During the drying process, the grapes are periodically turned to ensure even drying and prevent spoilage.
- Damaged or unripe grapes are removed to maintain the quality of the final product.
4. Stemming:
- Once the grapes are dry, the stems are removed either manually or mechanically.
5. Conditioning:
- After stemming, the sultanas undergo a conditioning process to remove any remaining moisture and ensure uniform quality.
6. Packaging:
- The dried sultanas are packed in various types of packaging, including cartons, boxes, or bags, for storage and distribution.
It's important to note that the process of making sultanas can vary slightly depending on the specific region and the methods used by different producers.