"Culinary" varieties are picked while green and hard; their extreme acidity holds up perfectly in crumbles and pies. "Dessert" varieties are left to ripen until they turn red, yellow, or translucent white, at which point they become soft and sweet enough to eat straight from the bush.
These are the powerhouse of the family. They have a deep, earthy, and pungent aroma. While too intense for most to eat raw, they are unparalleled when processed into syrups (like Ribena) , liqueurs (Cassis), or jams. They are also exceptionally high in Vitamin C. 2. Gooseberries ( Ribes uva-crispa ) CURRANTS, GOOSEBERRIES, AND JOSTABERRIES : a gu...
This group of hardy shrubs, known collectively as , offers some of the most rewarding harvests for home gardeners. They are cold-tolerant, thrive in northern climates, and provide a unique spectrum of flavors ranging from tart and refreshing to deep and musky. 1. Currants ( Ribes rubrum & nigrum ) "Culinary" varieties are picked while green and hard;
It features the vigorous growth and thornless stems of a currant, but produces fruit that is larger than a currant yet smaller than a gooseberry. They have a deep, earthy, and pungent aroma
These grow in long, elegant clusters called "strigs." Red currants are famously tart and high in pectin, making them the gold standard for jellies and sauces. White currants are essentially albino versions; they are much sweeter and are best enjoyed fresh or as a garnish.