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.
Are currants and raisins the same thing?
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.
Can you buy currants in the US?
Whole Foods – Whole Foods is known to sell fresh and dried currants in the produce and bulk aisles when they’re in season. Your Local Health Food Store – Many specialty items can be found in health food stores, including fresh or dried currants. Safeway – Safeway carries bulk and packaged Zante currants.
What fruit is similar to currants?
The best substitutes for dried currants are dried plums, dried dates, raisins, cranberries, jujube, dried blueberries, dried apricots, and dried cherries. Really, any dried fruit or berry can work in a pinch, but the above are my personal favorites for handling almost any recipe that calls for currants.
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.
Which is healthier raisins or currants?
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. Both of these dried fruits contain no fat.
Can dogs eat grapes?
The answer (and this goes for raisins, too, which are just dried grapes) is easy: No, dogs should never eat grapes. Grapes and raisins are known to be highly toxic to dogs, though research has yet to pinpoint exactly which substance in the fruit causes this reaction.
Why are red currants illegal?
Complicated History. 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.
Why are there no black currants in America?
Blackcurrant bushes were grown in America back in the 1629s, but in 1911, the professional cultivation of the plant was banned. It is a carrier of a fungus called white pine blister rust. Hence, blackcurrant was declared illegal to protect pine forests.
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 are dried currants called?
Dried currants, also called Zante currants, are tiny raisins made by drying a variety of seedless grape known as Black Corinth (often sold fresh as “Champagne grapes”). Dried currants are no relation to fresh currants, which are actually a type of berry.
Are dried cranberries same as currants?
They are not as juicy as currants, but offer a similar taste. Dried Cranberries – Cranberries are a healthy substitute for dried currants, and are great to make some jelly with when you are short on currants. With some added sugar, the taste is very similar!
Are dried currants healthy?
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 still illegal in the US?
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.
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.
Why can’t I buy currants?
The US Department of Agriculture had no choice but to have black currants banned because the plants became a vector for a disease that threatened to annihilate all pines in America. It might seem extreme, but this measure was necessary to save the logging industry at that time.
What are dried grapes called?
Raisins are grapes that have been dried. They can be made from a wide variety of grape types, and different grapes create different flavors and textures in the raisins. Raisins can be dried in different ways. Natural-dried raisins are dried in the sun and will have a dark color.
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 is a currant before it’s dried?
Raisins, sultanas, and Zante currants are all sweet dried fruits that stem from different varieties of vine-grown grapes, while currants really are a fresh bush-grown berry that is tart rather than sweet. Currants are also sold dried, but they’re not as readily available as sultanas and raisins.
Why can’t dogs eat pork?
Eating raw or undercooked pork is not safe for dogs or humans, due to the parasite trichinella spiralis larvae, which can cause the parasite infection known as trichinosis. An infection transmitted by pork meat, it can occur when a dog eats the muscles of animals that are infected with the trichinella parasites.
Can dogs eat popcorn?
Plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. Buttered popcorn or popcorn with other toppings is not safe for your dog on a regular basis, although eating a few dropped pieces here and there probably won’t hurt him.
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.