Are Red Currants Native?

Red currant (Ribes rubrum) is a member of the genus Ribes and part of the gooseberry family (Grossulariaceae). It is native to Western Europe and has long been cultivated in the United States.

Where do red currants originate from?

The red currant is original from western Europe. During the Middle Ages, red currants were highly valued by doctors, but it was not until the XVth century that its systematic culture began. They were used to flavour and to colour soft wines. During the XVIIIth century it was already eaten as dessert fruit.

Is red currant native to UK?

Habitat. Redcurrant is a non-native species but it does appear often as a garden escapee, most often we find them in woodland clearing, hedgerows and river banks where they have naturalised.

Are red currants illegal in the US?

The federal ban was lifted in 1966, but several northern states continued to prohibit the cultivation of such berries until the early twenty-first century. New York State eased its restrictions in 2003, and now allows farmers to grow red currants, gooseberries, and certain strains of black currants.

Are all red currants edible?

Red currant, (or redcurrant), Ribes rubrum is a member of the Gooseberry family, Grossulariaceae . Its fruits are edible and it is relatively easy to recognise and distinguish from other species.

Why is currant farming illegal?

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.

Are red currants toxic?

Hazards. Just like grapes and raisins, currants are toxic to dogs and potentially cats as well. Consuming even small amounts of currants can cause serious damage, so it’s important to keep them well out of reach of your pets.

Are red currants poisonous to dogs?

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.

Can you eat red currants raw?

Find out more about redcurrants, including how to select, store, prepare and cook them. These shiny little berries grow low on bushes, hanging from the branches like rows of miniature gems. Their flavour is a little tart but they’re still sweet enough to be eaten raw, so long as they’re sprinkled with plenty of sugar.

What are red currants good for?

Red or black, the currant is a good vitamin source. The red currant must be preferably ripe and fresh, so as to preserve all its nutritional value. Its content in flavonoids and vitamin B helps to fortify the capillaries, protecting the body tissues and preventing arteriosclerosis, apoplexy and diabetes.

Are red currants invasive?

Ribes rubrum (Red Currant) is listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States. According to the U.S Forest Service, Invasive species have contributed to the decline of 42% of U.S. endangered and threatened species, and for 18% of U.S. endangered or threatened species.

Can I grow red currants?

Redcurrants are easy to grow and enjoy a cool climate, so do well in colder sites and northern regions. They like sun but will also tolerate some shade. They can be trained into compact shapes and grown in containers, so are ideal if space is limited.

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.

Will deer eat red currants?

We’ve found at our main nursery where deer populations can be absolutely intense that both red and black currants (josta too!) are able to live and produce strong crops with minimal to no damage from deer. Black currants are nearly immune, red currants are low browse and Josta can get nibbled a bit but grow through it.

Do deer eat red flowering currants?

It will bloom best with some sun, but is tolerant of shade to part shade. In hot locations it will benefit from having at least part shade. Somewhat deer resistant once established. Red flowering currant is a larval host plant for numerous butterfly species.

Will deer eat currants?

All currants do well in shade and are not bothered by deer. They need little food or other care: Plant ’em and pick ’em.

Why doesn’t the US have red currants?

The federal government had banned the growing of black and red currants in 1911 when the burgeoning logging industry put pressure on lawmakers to eliminate the currants because they were thought to be an intermediate host of white pine blister rust.

What berries are illegal growing?

gooseberries
Why were gooseberries illegal? Gooseberries were once banned in the U.S. because they contributed to a tree-killing disease called “white pine blister rust” that was decimating these trees. It had a huge impact on white pine lumber-reliant economies like Maine.

What berry is illegal in the US?

black currants
Until April 2003, black currants had been referred to in the United States as the “forbidden fruit,”since farming bans in several states prevented it from being harvested. As a result, this once-popular berry, not readily available in the U.S. for the past 100 years, fell out of favor in American diets.

What do currants do to dogs?

Ingestion of even a small amount of grapes or raisins (including Zante currants) can result in severe, acute kidney failure. Although the mechanism of action is not clearly understood as to how these foods are poisonous, ingestion can result in anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially acute renal failure.

Can dogs eat bananas?

Yes, dogs can eat bananas. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They’re high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog’s main diet.