They are called “currants”, but this is a misnomer as they are dried grapes! Herein lies the problem between distinguishing REAL black currants and with what some companies are calling “black currants”, but are selling dried grapes. You may not think it’s a big deal, but it really is–it’s called false advertising.
What is the difference between currants and blackcurrants?
Blackcurrants(Ribes nigrum) is a shrub that produces fresh edible berries while zante currants refer to a type of raisin made from drying black Corinth grapes(Vitis vinifera). Also, black currant berries have a smooth surface but zante currants are wrinkly.
Is a blackcurrant a currant?
The blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum), also known as black currant or cassis, is a deciduous shrub in the family Grossulariaceae grown for its edible berries. It is native to temperate parts of central and northern Europe and northern Asia, where it prefers damp fertile soils.
Is black currant and black berry the same?
Blackcurrants and blackberries are quite different fruits that have a different flavor, shape, and size. Blackberries are approximately the size of a grape and are made up of individual segments that are significantly sweeter than blackcurrant which is around the size of a pea in most cases.
Are currants dried blackcurrants?
Currants, also known as “Zante currants,” are tiny, dried grapes. Despite their name, currants are actually made by drying a variety of small, seedless grapes called “Black Corinth” and “Carina.”
Can you eat blackcurrants straight from the bush?
Blackcurrant shrubs were a staple in my parents’ garden, and I enjoyed many sticky handfuls straight from the branch. But their flavor really shines when cooked, in both sweet and savory dishes.
Are black currants just raisins?
Raisins (dried grapes) and Black Currants are entirely different fruits from very different botanical families. Grapes belong to the genus Vitus and Currants belong to the genus Ribes.
Why are currants illegal in the US?
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.
Can you eat black currants 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 illegal?
The federal ban was lifted in 1966, though many states maintained their own bans. Research showed that blackcurrants could be safely grown some distance from white pines and this, together with the development of rust-immune varieties and new fungicides, led to most states lifting their bans by 2003.
Are blackcurrants better than blueberries?
The most significant is vitamin C. In fact, blackcurrants carry four times the amount of vitamin C as oranges, and double the amount of antioxidants as blueberries. The benefits of vitamin C are many. The body uses vitamin C to metabolize protein and form collagen, which is essential for skin care and anti-aging.
Are blueberries considered currants?
Both blueberries and black currants are small, dark-colored berries that grow in dense clusters on the branches of their bushes. The similarities end there, however — the two types of plants are quite different in both their growth preferences and the flavor of their berries.
What type of fruit is blackcurrant?
berry
The black currant (ribes nigrum) is a berry grown throughout the world. Native to Europe, these berries can be found in North America and as far away as Asia and New Zealand. Black currant berries (sometimes just called “blackcurrant”) are amazingly high in vitamins and antioxidants.
Are currants healthy eating?
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.
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.
How do you eat currants?
While they are sour, they tend to be less sour than gooseberries so they can be eaten raw: sprinkle them on your morning yogurt or just eat them by the handful. But they do get deliciously sweet and juicy when cooked, too. De-stem and fold them into muffin batter in place of other berries or use them to make jam.
Why don t supermarkets sell Blackcurrants?
“Blackcurrants are expensive and difficult to grow,” she continues. “It can be a risky business every year, relying on perfect weather for a perfect crop. It takes three years to get production going, and you don’t break even till year six.
What are the side effects of black currant?
The GLA in black currant seeds can sometimes cause side effects, such as: Headache. Diarrhea. Gas and belching.
Be careful about combining black currant with herbs and supplements that can slow blood clotting, such as:
- Angelica.
- Clove.
- Ginger.
- Panax ginseng.
How do you know when a black currant is ripe?
Fully ripe currants possess the characteristic color of the variety (red, white, or black), are slightly soft and juicy. For jellies and jams, harvest currants before the berries are fully ripe. Fruit harvested for jellies and jams should be well colored, but still firm.
Can dogs eat currants?
Overview. Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants are all potentially poisonous to dogs. If eaten they can cause gut problems and in serious cases, kidney failure.
Why are sultanas called sultanas?
Tradition has it that the name “sultana” derives from the “Sultan”, that is, from the ancient ruler of the Ottoman Empire. And in fact, one of the most prized varieties grows in Turkey, in the Izmir area. In Europe, other varieties from Corinth and Malaga are just as well-known.
Gerardo Gonzalez loves cooking. He became interested in it at a young age, and has been honing his skills ever since. He enjoys experimenting with new recipes, and is always looking for ways to improve his technique.
Gerardo’s friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of his delicious cooking. They always enjoy trying out his latest creations, and often give him feedback on how he can make them even better. Gerardo takes their input to heart, and uses it to continue refining his culinary skills.