How Are Currants Harvested?

Harvest currants by picking the fruit clusters (strigs) rather than the individual berries. After picking, the individual berries can be stripped from the stems. Currants can be stored in the refrigerator at 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately two weeks.

Why are currants illegal to grow in the US?

In 1911 it was made illegal to grow currants in the United States. They were banned by the US Department of Agriculture because they carried the white pine blister rust disease. This fungus threatened to wipe out the pines in the US, so all Ribes were banned to protect the logging industry at the time.

How are currants grown?

Currants and gooseberries will grow in full sun to partial shade. You will get more fruit if the plant is in full sun. Space plants at least 3 feet apart. Most currants and gooseberries are self-fruitful.

Can currants be eaten raw?

While black currants have a strong taste, they’re delicious to eat raw when they’re ripe. You can also use them in a variety of recipes. Some ways to prepare black currants include: Cooking with sugar and other fruits to make a jam.

Are black currants still illegal in the US?

Blackcurrants are currently illegal to grow in New York, but it may soon be legal to grow cultivars that are immune to white pine blister rust. In the United States, blackcurrants are not as common as they once were, but they have begun to thrive again in areas such as Connecticut, Oregon, and New York.

What is the difference between a raisin and currant?

Raisins, sultanas and currants are all types of dried grapes. Raisins and sultanas are soft, sweet and juicy, while currants have an intense, sweet and tangy taste. Raisins are typically the largest of the three.

What are currants good for?

Currants are high in vitamin C, which supports healthy immune function. They also contain iron, which helps prevent anemia; calcium, which supports strong and healthy bones; and phosphorus, which aids in muscle contraction.

What is the best tasting currant?

Many people consider ‘Rovada’ to be the best red currant cultivar. Plants are dependable, vigorous, late ripening, and very productive, bearing long-stemmed clusters of large red berries that are easy to pick.

Are currants poisonous to dogs?

True currants (including black, red, and white currants) belong to a different group of plants (genus Ribes) and are not considered toxic to dogs, though stomach upset could occur if a large amount is ingested.

Are gooseberries the same as currants?

Gooseberries and currants are very closely related, being members of the same genus Ribes, however, they do have a few major differences. Gooseberries tend to have significantly larger fruit than currants and they have thorns on their stems. They are green or dark red when fully ripe.

Are currants healthier than raisins?

Currants and raisins are very similar in nutritional value. They closely match in carbohydrate count, protein, fiber, sugar, potassium and vitamins C and K. A one-ounce serving of raisins has 95 calories compared to the 79 calories in the same size serving of currants.

Are currants A Superfood?

Since black currants are so rich in vitamin C they can effectively help the body metabolize protein and form collagen resulting in healthy skin and slow down the effects of aging. They are also high in antioxidants and anthocyanins which are an essential aid in maintaining a healthy immune system.

Are currants good for you?

Currants are excellent source of minerals, such as zinc, magnesium, iron and especially potassium. The latter is very important in several functions in mammals but especially in the sodium/potassium equilibrium in body and depression of high blood pressure.

Why is it illegal to grow gooseberries?

In 1911, a federal ban made it illegal to grow all Ribes, including currants and gooseberries, because these plants served as an intermediary host of white pine blister rust.

What are black currants called in America?

In the U.S. we still use the separated name “Black Currant” as well as Red Currant or White Currant and often, just Currant which causes some confusion with the misnamed raisins. Zante currants have become part of the English vernacular and have come to be accepted to identify the Greek raisins.

Why did America ban black currant?

The nutrient-rich berries were banned in 1911 because they were thought to produce a fungus that could damage pine trees. As new disease-resistant berries were produced and new ways to prevent the fungus from damaging timber were developed, some states started to lift the ban in 2003.

Why are currants called currants?

The grapes were originally cultivated in the south of Greece and more specifically, the island of Zante, hence the name Zante currant, used in the United States. The name currant comes from the ancient city of Corinth. Other names for currants are Zante currants, Corinth raisins, or Corinthian raisins.

What happens if you eat too much raisins?

Another concern about eating too many raisins is the increase in soluble fiber. Too much fiber may cause gastrointestinal upset, such as cramps, gas, and bloating. Some people may even develop diarrhea.

What do currants taste like?

What Does It Taste Like? Currants have a sweet and sour berry flavor. All varieties have a bright acid kick to balance out their sweetness, and a fair amount of tannins that can make your mouth pucker.

Are currants bad for you?

Raisins, sultanas and currants may improve your digestive health and blood sugar levels, decrease inflammation and lower your blood pressure. On the downside, they are also high in sugar and calories and should be eaten in moderation.

Are currants good for weight loss?

Blackcurrant extract may provide fat burning boost during exercise, study finds. A blackcurrant extract could increase the amount of fat burned during exercise, says UK researchers as they present findings that point to a longer intake of this extract as more beneficial.