Currants typically ripen over a 2 to 3 week period. 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.
How do you ripen blackcurrants?
Any not-quite ripe blackcurrants can be left to ripen by placing the bottom of the branches in a bucket of water.
What is the best way to pick blackcurrants?
Blackcurrants are ready to pick when they are dark and shiny, but still firm. Pick currants on a dry day, as wet currants will quickly go mouldy. Harvest whole trusses, rather than individual berries. They can be eaten fresh and will keep for several days after picking.
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.
How long do blackcurrants take to ripen?
Blackcurrants tend to ripen in July, some of the latest varieties will fruit into August and a few very early varieties may be ripe by late June. So it is possible to have a 6 week picking season for Blackcurrants if you are canny with your choice of variety.
Do black currants ripen after picking?
Harvesting. The berries on a currant bush ripen over a 2-week period. However, once a berry ripens it can usually be left on the bush a week or more without dropping or becoming over-mature.
What to do with blackcurrants after picking?
Blackcurrants freeze really well, so if you manage to get hold of more than you need, you can just pop them into the freezer. Place in a sealed bag or container and freeze for up to six months. Unlike many berries, they also store well in the fridge and should be good to go for five or six days after picking.
Do I need to top and tail blackcurrants for jam?
If you have grown your blackcurrants yourself you will need to remove the tails (stalks) and wash your currants. Some people also prefer to remove the tops as well. It does take ages (and I mean ages) so you may prefer not to do this. Make sure you have removed all debris, bugs or leaves from the currants.
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.
Are blackcurrants good for arthritis?
Blackcurrants have a direct effect on your body’s inflammatory response. Blackcurrant seed oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a type of omega-6 fatty acid that’s been said to help ease inflammation in the body. The high GLA and anthocyanin content can help reduce joint or muscle: pain.
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.
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.
Should blackcurrant bushes be pruned?
Blackcurrants crop best on strong young growth made the previous year, so they are usually grown as a multi-stemmed bush, with stems sprouting from the base. To encourage new stems, they need to be pruned annually in winter. Standard-trained blackcurrants are useful if space is limited.
Is it too late to prune blackcurrants?
d. ANSWER: As a general rule prune blackcurrants from the end of December to mid February when they are dormant. I would not advise pruning “straight after growth stops in late summer/autumn” because the bush will still have leaves on at that time of year.
How often should I water black currants?
From fruit set to harvest, currants need 1 inch of water every week. After the initial watering, a soaker hose or drip irrigation system can maintain an adequate water supply. In the spring, purchase container-grown currant plants from a reputable nursery. The plants should be one to two years old.
What is the sweetest black currant?
Ebony
Blackcurrant ‘Ebony’ is the sweetest blackcurrant! This outstanding dessert variety is so exceptionally sweet that it can be eaten straight from the bush when fully ripe. Heavy crops of large, firm currants – each one up to twice the size of a normal blackcurrant – are produced for harvesting from early to mid July.
What is the best black currant?
Best Black Currant Varieties
- Ben Connan. Out of all of the varieties, ‘Ben Connan’ black currants is the heaviest producing one, with up to 7 pounds of berries off of one plant.
- Crusader.
- Consort.
- Ebony.
- Titania.
- Select the Right Spot in Your Garden.
- The Right Soil for Black Currants.
- When to Plant Black Currants.
What can I do with lots of blackcurrants?
Our favourite blackcurrant recipes
- Summer pudding.
- Blackcurrant sorbet.
- Berry crumble.
- Blackcurrant vodka.
- Blackcurrant sauce.
- Blackcurrant compote.
- Blackcurrant pie.
- Blackcurrant cordial.
Can blackcurrants be frozen?
Yes, both red and black currants freeze very well. Just follow the simple steps below to prepare and freeze your currants to use in baking recipes or to make jelly from later.
Can I prune blackcurrants after fruiting?
Blackcurrants carry their fruit on the previous summer’s growth. Pruning couldn’t be simpler, remove the old fruited branches. Ideally pruning should be carried out immediately after harvesting or more practically, September.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.