It is believed that raisins were discovered in the Middle East, where they were treasured. Any food that wouldn't spoil in the hot sun was very valuable. Prehistoric drawings in France show that raisins have been enjoyed in southern Europe for thousands of years.     .In 1000 B.C. the Jews paid their taxes with raisins. Two jars of raisins in ancient Rome could buy one slave boy ．
In North America, the original mistake of leaving grapes to wither（枯萎）on the vine was not the only time raisins accidentally became popular. In the 1870s many people were growing grapes in California.     .Most Americans had never heard of raisins at that time. In September, 1873 a severe heat wave struck the area. Before the growers could pick all their grapes, the heat shriveled（使枯萎）them on the vine. The grapes were lost. One grower took the dried grapes to a grocer in San Francisco.     .The new accidental raisins grew into a major industry in California. Today almost all the raisins eaten in the United States are grown in California. California produces a third of the world's raisins.
__ .Raisins also provide potassium, magnesium, calcium and certain B vitamins. Without added preservatives(防腐剂),raisins will stay fresh, delicious and nutritious if kept in a cool place.
Raisins are tiny, portable and above all delicious.

A．The grapes were either eaten as fresh fruit or were made into wine.

B．The grocer's customers discovered that raisins made a delicious treat.

C．They have been used for necklaces and as religious symbols.

D．The grocer was unwilling to buy the dried grapes.

E. Raisins are high in iron, which is important to children's growing bodies.
F. Roman doctors believed raisins could cure anything from mushroom poisoning to old age.
G. Raisins are children's favorite snacks