In season between June and August, their delicious sweet and sour flavour makes them the ultimate summer berries! Now we can finally snack on them again in cakes, smoothies and fruit salads. How well do you know these little berries? We reveal 5 exciting facts that will surprise even fruit fans!

 

  1. They are related to gooseberries

    Did you know that blackcurrants, redcurrants and whitecurrants are members of the gooseberry family? They belong to the     Ribes genus, which in turn includes between 140 and 160 species of currant and gooseberry. Not all members of the gooseberry family are prickly or thorny. “In the wild” you will find blackcurrants, redcurrants and whitecurrants primarily in shaded places in forests or in bushes. However, you can also cultivate them in your own garden. They are very easy to look after. Interestingly, jostaberries have also become quite popular. The jostaberry is a cross between a blackcurrant and a gooseberry.

  2. The name has a story behind it

    These berries are known as     Johannisbeere in German. This is derived from St. John’s (Johannes) Day, which falls on 24 June and celebrates the birth of St. John the Baptist. The first varieties of blackcurrants, redcurrants and whitecurrants are ripe around this date. Between June and July the other varieties then follow. By the way, once picked, these berries do not continue to ripen! The longer you leave the fruit on the vine, the sweeter and more aromatic it tastes. Before harvesting, therefore, consider what you would like to use the fruit for. If you just want to snack on the berries, pick them as late as possible; if you are going to be cooking them, the fruit can be used earlier.

  3. They are little superfruits

    So what do these berries have to offer? Blackcurrants, redcurrants and whitecurrants score highly when it comes to benefiting your well-being. In particular, blackcurrants are an excellent source of vitamins A and C. Vitamin C can promote the formation of collagen in the skin. It strengthens the immune system and its antioxidant properties protect cells and molecules from damage. Vitamin A is key for good vision and also plays a role in the regeneration of skin. As these vitamins cannot withstand heat, get the full benefit of the vitamins they provide by eating these berries raw. They also contain a lot of anthocyanins, which inhibit inflammation. These phytochemicals have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. Blackcurrants, redcurrants and whitecurrants are also a good source of potassium and iron. The fibre in the fruit is good for digestion and keeps cholesterol levels and blood sugars in balance. This small fruit is therefore a secret superfood. Good to know: blackcurrants, redcurrants and whitecurrants are very low in calories.

  4. Each colour tastes different

    Who’d have thought it! Another surprising fact about these berries – each colour tastes a little bit different. So there is one for every fruit fan. Redcurrants have a slightly sour taste, while whitecurrants are somewhat sweeter, with the     Ribes sativum currant having a particularly sweet taste. And blackcurrants have an exceptionally intense and bitter taste and smell. You will sniff out the typical smell of the black berries even in the buds. Fascinating!

  5. They can be enjoyed in lots of different ways

    Freshly picked, blackcurrants, redcurrants and whitecurrants are a treat, just on their own. But you can also conjure up numerous delicious goodies from this versatile fruit. They are ideal for fruit salads, jams, jelly, compotes, juices or in quark dishes. Add this scrumptious little fruit to your smoothies, use it as a topping for baked goods or make ice cream with it. Are you a fan of blackcurrants, redcurrants and whitecurrants? Then extend the summer season and freeze these little all-rounders – they can be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months. 

 

Tastes like summer!

 

Your Dole team