Black Currant

Currant, what is it – and how does it differ from raisins? We clarify this question in our product information. There are also useful tips for shopping and for use in the kitchen.

Interesting facts about currants

A currant is a dried grape of the black currant variety. It comes from the Greek city of Corinth, where it has been cultivated for centuries. It is now also being cultivated in other regions and countries. Depending on the growing area, different currant varieties can be distinguished, such as Kalamata, Vostizza and Amalia. The difference between raisins and currants lies in the grape variety. The small, black-violet, and seedless berries of the currant taste more intense and less sweet when dried than raisins or sultanas. Incidentally, the currant tree has nothing to do with the grape variety, but is a deciduous shrub, which is also known as the copper pear tree.

Purchasing and storage

The fruit of the currant variety is ideal for drying and is normally sold without further preservation treatments. Anyone looking for unsulphured dried berries is well advised to use currants. When shopping, make sure that the sales packaging is airtight and store the currants in an airtight container in a cool, dark place at home. They will keep like this for at least a year. After that, the dried berries are usually still usable, but gradually lose their taste.

Kitchen tips for currant

In addition to direct consumption as a nutritious snack, currants are important in baking and cooking. You can use it, for example, to optimally refine cakes and tarts such as babas, desserts, fruit salads, muesli and rolls. In the savory kitchen, the sweet berries – similar to cranberries, for example – form a delicious contrast to the hearty aromas. Prepare a tasty sauce for roasting with currants. Or cook savory dishes like Indian rice stir-fry, bulgur and couscous dishes, and lentil soups with the dried berry.

Is black currant 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 is black currant good for?

Black currants are high in antioxidants, including vitamin C. Along with the anthocyanins in black currants, these antioxidants can help to give your immune system a boost, allowing your body to fight infection and viruses more effectively. Black currants are rich in an omega-6 fatty acid called gamma-linoleic acid.

Why is black currant a forbidden fruit?

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.

Are black currants poisonous?

The juice, leaves, and flowers of black currant are safe when eaten in food products. Black currant is also considered safe if you use the berry or seed oil appropriately as medicine.

Why is growing currants illegal?

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.

Is blackcurrant good for weight loss?

Blackcurrant extract may provide fat burning boost during exercise, study finds. A blackcurrant extract could increase the amount of fat burned during exercise, says UK researchers as they present findings that point to a longer intake of this extract as more beneficial.