Currants: How to Choose, Store, and Use Them

Currants are small dried fruits with a concentrated sweet-and-tart flavor. Both fresh and dried currants are used in cooking, from rice dishes and desserts to breakfast foods and snacks. Their vitamins and minerals make them nutritionally valuable. Below are tips for choosing, storing, and using them.

How are currants used in cooking?

Currants add a sweet contrast to pilaf and savory fillings. Thyme tea can be served hot after straining, and thyme is also used as a seasoning. Currants add a sweet contrast to pilaf and savory fillings.

How do you choose currants?

When buying dried currants, look for dry, shiny berries that are not stuck together. Overly sticky or damp berries may have been stored improperly. Dark purple to black currants are generally riper and fuller in flavor. When fresh currants are available, choose firm, shiny berries that are firmly attached to their stems. Avoid berries that are wrinkled or crushed, and avoid packages with a moldy or sour smell.

How should you store currants?

Store dried currants in an airtight jar in a cool, dark cupboard; they can stay fresh for months. Do not leave them uncovered on the counter, where moisture may increase the risk of mold. Fresh currants should be refrigerated and used within a few days. For longer storage, wash and dry them, then freeze them. Frozen berries can be added directly to desserts and compotes.

How can you use currants in cooking?

Currants are a classic pairing with pine nuts in stuffed pilaf and dishes cooked with olive oil. Their tartness balances sweetness. Add them to breakfast muesli or oatmeal. Stir them into cake or cookie batter for moisture and concentrated flavor; soaking them in warm water for a few minutes before use softens them and makes them easier to chew. They can also be added to dessert sauces and compotes.

What is the difference between currants and raisins?

Currants are smaller than regular raisins and have a more tart flavor. They are not always interchangeable in recipes. Because currants have a concentrated flavor, use a little less when substituting them for raisins in desserts. In savory recipes such as stuffed pilaf, they may be used in similar amounts.

What desserts pair well with currants?

Currants pair well with almonds, walnuts, and cinnamon in cakes and cookies. They are also often used in desserts with apples and pears. Sprinkling them over milk-based desserts adds color and texture. Mix them with honey for breakfast as a quick source of energy.