The word "sultanas" is spelled with a "u" rather than an "o" because it comes from the Turkish word "sultan" (IPA: sʊlˈtɑːn). The "u" sound in "sultan" is pronounced as a short vowel sound, represented in IPA as /ʊ/. When the suffix "-as" is added to "sultan", it changes the stress to the second syllable and creates the pronunciation /sʊlˈteɪnəz/. Finally, the spelling of "sultanas" includes the additional "a" to signify pluralization.
Sultanas are dried seedless grapes that are typically small, sweet, and soft in texture. They are commonly used in baking and cooking, especially in desserts, such as cakes, cookies, and breads. The word "sultana" is often used interchangeably with "golden raisins" in some countries, although there are slight differences between the two.
Sultanas are made by drying grapes, usually of the white seedless varieties like Thompson seedless or Sultana grapes - hence the name. The grapes are harvested at their ripest state and then dried naturally or by the use of artificial methods like drying ovens or dehydrators. This process removes most of the moisture from the fruit, resulting in shriveled, wrinkled grapes with a concentrated sweetness.
Their flavor is typically described as sweet and juicy, with a slightly tangy and tart undertone. Sultanas have a golden-brownish color and a distinct soft and chewy texture. Due to their natural sweetness, sultanas can add a pleasant and fruity taste to a variety of dishes, especially sweet ones.
In addition to being a popular ingredient in baked goods, sultanas are often used in trail mixes, breakfast cereals, and savory dishes, such as rice pilaf or couscous. They are also sometimes enjoyed as a standalone snack. Sultanas are a versatile ingredient that adds a burst of natural sweetness to dishes, making them a favorite choice for many cooks and bakers.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "sultanas" has an interesting etymology. It is derived from the Turkish word "sultana" which means "wife or mistress of a sultan". The word was later adopted into various European languages to specifically refer to a type of dried grape, usually seedless or with very few seeds, with a sweet taste. The association of these grapes with the wives of sultans is believed to have originated during the Ottoman Empire, as sultanas were known for their love of fine foods and luxurious lifestyles. Over time, the term "sultana" became commonly used to describe these specific grapes, highlighting their regal and exotic qualities.