Currant

What Is Redcurrant?

Redcurrant (Ribes rubrum) is a summer fruit that grows in small clusters, bright red and semi-translucent berried. Contrary to its name, it is not related to grapevine; the berries are the size of peas.

Due to its distinctly sour taste, it is mostly consumed processed with sugar rather than raw; it is common in European cuisine for jelly making and dessert decoration.

Nutritional Value of Redcurrant

Redcurrant is a low-to-moderate calorie fruit rich in fiber and vitamin C; 100 grams contains about 56 kcal of energy and 4.3 g of fiber.

What Are the Benefits of Redcurrant?

With its high vitamin C and fiber content, redcurrant is one of the fruits considered part of a balanced diet.

This information is general; redcurrant is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Redcurrant?

Fresh redcurrant is bright red, plump, and has an intact cluster.

• Berries should be shiny and taut; wrinkled berries indicate staleness.
• Cluster stems should be fresh green in color.
• Bruised or leaking berries should be picked out.

How to Store Redcurrant?

Redcurrant stays fresh in the refrigerator on the cluster, in a closed container, for 3-4 days. It can also be stored frozen; in frozen form it can be used directly for jelly and jam making.

Using Redcurrant in the Kitchen

Thanks to its high pectin content, redcurrant is very suitable for jelly and jam making; it is also used decoratively in dessert decoration.

How to Make Redcurrant Jelly?

The berries are briefly boiled in water and strained; sugar is added to the resulting liquid and it is cooked until it reaches a jelly consistency; additional pectin is generally not needed.

Which Recipes Use Redcurrant?

Redcurrant jelly, redcurrant cake decoration, sauce (especially served with game meat), and fruit desserts are the most beloved uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is redcurrant good for?

Redcurrant is rich in vitamin C and fiber; it is considered part of a balanced diet. It is a food; it does not claim to cure any disease.

Is redcurrant eaten raw?

Yes, but since it is distinctly sour, it is mostly consumed with sugar or together with other fruits; eating it raw alone may not suit everyone's taste.

Are redcurrant and gooseberry the same?

No, they are different varieties; although both belong to the Ribes genus, gooseberry is larger with a fuzzy-rough skin, while redcurrant is small and smooth-skinned.

How is redcurrant separated from its stems?

The berries can be practically separated one by one by running the tines of a fork along the cluster's stem.

Can redcurrant be frozen?

Yes, berries separated from the cluster can be stored frozen for months; in frozen form they can be used directly for jelly and sauce making.