How to Eat Black Currants
- Cooking with sugar and other fruits to make a jam.
- Baking them into muffins, quick breads, or fruit pies.
- Making fresh black currant juice.
- Making a refreshing black currant sorbet or ice cream.
- Mixing them with vodka for a fruity twist.
- Creating a sauce for grouse or duck.
How do you prepare blackcurrants?
How to prepare blackcurrants. Strip the currants from their stalks. Add raw to fruits salads if they are not too tart or cook in a little water with sugar to taste. Do not overcook or they will lose their fresh flavour.
What do you use black currants for?
Black currants are most frequently used in infusions, jams, jellies, pies, tarts, and baking, and are also dried for use in tea.
Are blackcurrants as good for you as 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.
How do you know when black currants are 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 I 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.
Is it necessary to top and tail blackcurrants?
For me, it is just as good to leave the odd little green stalk on and totally ignore the little dried flower end. The end product when you use a blender stick on your simmered fruit is a smooth jam with a dense texture and a strong, rich flavour.
Can black currant cause stomach problems?
The GLA in black currant seeds can sometimes cause side effects, such as: Headache. Diarrhea. Gas and belching.
What can I do with fresh picked blackcurrants?
Our favourite blackcurrant recipes
- Blackcurrant jam.
- Summer pudding.
- Blackcurrant sorbet.
- Berry crumble.
- Blackcurrant vodka.
- Blackcurrant sauce.
- Blackcurrant compote.
- Blackcurrant pie.
Is blackcurrant good for weight loss?
A blackcurrant-extract supplement can burn as much fat as four weeks of regular exercise, new research suggests. When taken twice a day for just one week, the vitamin increases fat burning by an average of 27 per cent, with one study participant achieving a rise of 55 per cent.
What are the healthiest berries in the world?
8 of the Healthiest Berries You Can Eat
- Blueberries. Blueberries are popular berries that serve as a great source of vitamin K.
- Raspberries. Raspberries are often used in desserts and are a very good source of fiber.
- Goji berries.
- Strawberries.
- Bilberries.
- Açaí berries.
- Cranberries.
- Grapes.
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.
What does blackcurrant taste like?
Fresh Black Currant has a tangy, passion fruit-like flavor with a blackberry flavor similar to raspberry, but it’s more earthy. The juiciness of blackcurrants is the most noticeable aspect of their texture. This is understandable given how pulpy and moist most berries are. Blackcurrant has an intense tart-sweet flavor.
What time of year do you pick blackcurrants?
Blackcurrant fruits are ready for picking in the mid to late summer (July and August) and are at their best about seven days after they have turned blue-black. They can be gathered individually or, if you want them to stay fresh for a little longer, you can harvest them as whole trusses.
How do you store fresh blackcurrants?
Try to keep them as flat as possible. Once you feel the covering of the blackcurrants is hardened, remove them from the freezer. Then shake the blackcurrants into a plastic container or a Ziploc bag. Don’t forget to seal the bag or the container tightly.
How long do blackcurrant bushes last?
10-15 years
Blackcurrants are usually trouble free and may live for 10-15 years. Net the bushes down to ground level to prevent birds from stealing the fruit . Or grow in a fruit cage. Reversion and Big Bud Mite may reduce their life but frost can be a problem particularly in Northern regions with early flowering varieties.
Should I wash blackcurrants before freezing?
Rinse them under cool water to remove any insects or debris. Spread them on a dish towel to dry off for a few minutes. If you won’t get around to de-stemming the fruits for more than a few hours, simply put the whole clusters of currants into freezer bags or containers.
Is blackcurrant a Superfood?
Blackcurrants are packed with vitamin C and micronutrients – they’re Britain’s very own superfood. Blackcurrants are much too good to be relegated to jams and cordials. In all their purple might, they have an intensely punchy flavour, unmatched even by damsons or raspberries.
Are black currants high in sugar?
Blackcurrants are often consumed with added sugar because of their natural sourness, which may be a cause of concern for health-conscious consumers. However, it seems that sugar consumed with blackcurrants is not as unhealthy as sugar consumed without berries.
How long do black currants last in the fridge?
Always harvest blackcurrants on dry days to avoid fungi developing quickly which will spoil the fruits. Store in the fridge and remove any damaged fruits (eat them straight away!). The fruits should keep in the fridge for around four days.
How do you strip blackcurrant?
Place a bowl under your currants and run the fork down the stem of the currants using a small amount of pressure. This will pluck the currants off of the stem quickly and with one movement instead of removing each individually by hand.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.