Currant News

Currants are not so popular, or even that well known here in the United States, but they are very popular all over Europe. If you are not familiar with currants, you may ask what is a currant.

There are two main species of currants – zante currants and ribes currants. Zante currants are dried small seedless grapes originally from Corinth, Greece. Their name means raisins of Corinth. There are also Ribes berries which are tart red, black, or white shrubs native to the cooler temperatures of Europe and Asia. Zante currants are very old and have been traded since ancient times. Ribes berries are very old too, and were first cultivated in European monasteries by 350 AD and grew wild across northern Europe and Asia, with written records of Russian black currant farming dating back to the 11th century. They grow wild all over the United States too, and many of the wild varieties are found in the US, but they are not cultivated much here and were Federally banned from being cultivated in 1911 because they are a natural host to the parasitic fungus known as blister rust, which was killing the white pines, the backbone of America’s timber industry. (p. 113 – The Story of Food). The Federal ban was lifted in 1966, but most states still voluntarily enforce it. In the United States, currants are also known as gooseberries, especially the white currants, and are most often the Zante varieties.

Currants were originally grown and used for medicinal purposes and for decorative and ornamental uses. They are loaded with Vitamin C and Vitamin K, and contain lots of calcium and magnesium as well. One cup of currants provides you with up to 200% of your daily Vitamin C requirements, which helps your immune system and helps fight off viruses and diseases. They boost your immune system, lower inflammation, improve blood circulation, and support heart, eye, and gut health. Black currants rank as one of the most nutrient-dense berries you can find. Currant plants are also natural pest controllers for your garden too.

There are about 150 different varieties of currents, but the most popular ones are the red, black and white ones. In Europe, currants are still used for a number of medicinal reasons, but they are primarily enjoyed in desserts, jams, jellies and juices. And in France, currants are one of the main ingredients for their famously delicious liqueur, Cassis or Creme de Cassis. Cassis is the French name for the black currants.

Now you know. Now you are current on your currants.

Have a great day and make everyday great, no matter what you do. Live life to the fullest and enjoy the ride and all the adventures along the way. ‘Til next time.