Currants are a true wonder berry. They are full of valuable vitamins and nutrients. There are different types of currants. Blackcurrants are particularly popular due to their health benefits and tart flavor.
By the way: the name “currant” comes from the so-called St. John's Day (June 24), because around this day you can already harvest the first berries of the early varieties. Late varieties can be picked during August or even as late as early September.
Currants bear a lot of fruit and the varieties are ripe from mid-June to August, early September. The berry is ideal as a tasty ingredient in your muesli, granola or porridge for a healthy breakfast. We'll show you everything you need to know about the berry.
Here you can find all information about berries
Where does the currant come from?
The currant belongs to the gooseberry family (Grossulariaceae). Gooseberry plants include the species known as currants and gooseberries.
Did you know: a new variety has been bred from the cross between the blackcurrant and the gooseberry: the jostaberry.
Currants are used as berries or ornamental plants. A distinction is made between different types of currants. Ribes rubrum, the red currant, is particularly popular in Europe and is suitable for home gardens.
The red currant has a strong aroma and a sweet-sour taste. The black currant, ribes nigrum, is another type of currant. The black berry is often found in France, Eurasia and England. Black berries have been planted in the gardens of Europe since the 16th century.
What should be considered when planting and when does the red and black currant flower?
Planting in the fall or early spring is ideal. In addition to the right planting time, it is also important for a good start to add compost or slow-release fertilizer to the planting hole. Very important: the plant must be watered well and the soil is best covered with mulch. Currant bushes planted in the ground are also hardy. You should also fertilize the bushes two to three times a year – ideally with organic berry fertilizer, some rotted manure, horn shavings or nettle slurry. Since currant bushes have flat roots, further tilling of the soil is not recommended, as it could destroy the roots.
Red and blackcurrants flower in spring. The fruits ripen in summer. Both in spring and summer, the currant bushes need sufficient fresh soil. Make sure that no water gets on the leaves of the currants when watering, as this would promote fungal disease. The currants must be protected from birds in any case, as birds love the berries of currants. To do this, simply cover the currant bushes with a net.
Pruning berry bushes is also not difficult. Regular pruning and a good nutrient supply strengthen the bushes' resistance to diseases and pests and promote growth. You can remove lower side shoots and shoots that have grown too densely in the upper area. The cut should be made exactly above the healthy bud of the currants (red and black). This will allow the wound to heal quickly. The plants are sensitive to gray mold. The pathogens enter the currants through injuries to the plant. In spring, the berries are less easily infected, making this time better suited for pruning.
What types of currants are there?
A distinction is made between red, white and blackcurrants. Red and white currants are considered to be not quite as rich in vitamins as blackcurrants. While red currants taste sour to acidic, blackcurrants contain less acid and have a light and tart flavor. Blackcurrants are often processed into nectar, syrup, jelly or candies. Nevertheless, redcurrants are also very popular as jam.
White currants are particularly sweet. The thick flesh protects the berry. This means that the white berries, also known as white versailles, can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Red and white currants usually flower between June and August. Ripe red currants are dark red. The white currants shine through when ripe, ranging from yellow to whitish, and are particularly soft. The berries should only be picked when it is dry, otherwise they can quickly spoil. So please leave them alone when it rains.
Black currants ripen between June and July, depending on the region. Not all of the dark berries ripen at the same time. While some berries are already ripe, you still have to leave others. Ripe berries are deep black and very soft.
Here are some examples of popular currant varieties
Red currants
- 'Rovada': long-grape variety, medium red, rainproof, excellent flavor
- 'Jonkheer van tets': ripens as early as the end of June, large berries
- 'Rolan': high yields, early ripening, very tart
- 'Heinemanns Rote Spätlese': harvested during August, medium-sized, light red berries
Blackcurrants
- 'Titania': considered to be very resistant to disease, high-yielding and vigorous
- 'Ometa': A robust variety, ripening from mid to late July
- 'Silvergieters': Robust and strong, high-yielding, ready for harvest from early July
White currants
- 'Weiße Versailler': Medium-sized berries, ready for harvest from mid-July to early August, ranging from tart to sweet
How healthy are currants?
The blackcurrant is considered to be the healthiest of the berries. Currants contain the highest amount of vitamin C. Just a handful of black berries covers half of your daily vitamin C requirement. That's why currants are a good addition to your healthy porridge. The berries also contain proteins and a lot of healthy minerals such as:
- Anthocyanins, phytochemicals
- vitamin C
- citric acid
- pectin
- terpenes
Due to their low calorie density, berries are often used by people who want to lose weight. For example, you can mix them with a few oat flakes for a healthy breakfast with your nutritious muesli. In addition, the high vitamin C content helps to transport fat out of fat cells. The dietary fiber has a positive effect on digestion.
Also, the insulin level remains almost constant by the consumption. Whether raspberries, strawberries, cranberry or blackberries, all berries have a low glycemic index and are ideal for losing weight.
Nutritional information – sugar content in currants
The following table shows the energy and simple sugar content as well as the disaccharides per 100 g of blackcurrant, white currant and red currant.
| Energy (kcal) | Glucose (g) | Fructose (g) | Sucrose (g) | Total sugar (g) | |
| Blackcurrant raw | 40 | 2.4 | 3.2 | 0.7 | 6.3 |
| Blackcurrant cooked | 40 | 2.3 | 3.1 | 0.7 | 6.3 |
| Blackcurrant Fruit Juice | 43 | 2.2 | 2.9 | 2 | 6.2 |
| White currant raw | 41 | 3.1 | 3 | 0.6 | 6.7 |
| White currant cooked | 40 | 3.1 | 3 | 0.6 | 6.7 |
| White currant fruit juice | 44 | 2.9 | 2.8 | 1.9 | 6.6 |
| White currant fruit nectar | 52 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 10.5 | 1.6 |
| White currant jam | 271 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 63.2 | 2.5 |
| Whitecurrant tinned | 74 | 1.4 | 1.3 | 14 | 3 |
| Redcurrant raw | 33 | 2 | 2.5 | 0.3 | 4.8 |
| Red currant cooked | 32 | 2 | 2.5 | 0.3 | 4.8 |
| Redcurrant Fruit Juice | 37 | 1.9 | 2.3 | 1.6 | 4.7 |
| Redcurrant Fruit Nectar | 55 | 2.7 | 2.9 | 7.3 | 12.9 |
| Red currant jam | 259 | 17.8 | 16 | 25.3 | 59.1 |
| Redcurrant tinned | 70 | 0.9 | 1.1 | 13.9 | 2.1 |
How healthy is the currant – the benefits of currants for your health at a glance
Secondary plant substances
Blackcurrants are full of phytochemicals such as anthocyanins and flavonoids. These plant compounds strengthen the cardiovascular system.1 They also contain potassium, iron, the dietary fiber pectin and fruit acids. This native superfood is a great addition to a healthy diet!
Anti-inflammatory currants
Blackcurrants have anti-inflammatory properties. The anthocyanins give them their black-violet color. The phytochemicals in currants have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system and protect against cancer. Anthocyanins have anti-inflammatory properties and can ward off harmful substances. Athletes also benefit from the phytochemicals in currants. The black berries are particularly good at protecting against muscle soreness.
Iron-rich
The black berries also contain a lot of iron, which supports the transport of oxygen. In addition, potassium, magnesium and calcium are supplied for sufficient energy. The taste of the black berries goes perfectly with sweet desserts and savory meat dishes.
Vitamin bomb
Currants are rich in vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin C, etc.). The black berries, in particular, are real vitamin bombs when it comes to high vitamin C content. They have significantly more vitamin C than their red and white siblings and also significantly more than oranges. This is how the berries also protect against colds.
Versatile use and preparation of currants
The tart flavor of the black currant, in particular, is ideal for sweet desserts. The tart flavor can be perfectly combined with a delicious breakfast cereal or porridge. The black berries are a vitamin- and nutrient-rich topping, ideal for athletes and all breakfast lovers.
Verival has a range of delicious mueslis and porridges that go well with blackcurrants. You can stir the currants into your porridge while frozen, or add them to your muesli on hot summer days.
Discover the Verival porridge range now.
What is the best way to store and care for currants?
How to store currants depends on the variety. The white berries have a thick flesh and can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. Harvested currants will keep for up to two days in a cool place, but should be processed quickly.
Otherwise, the valuable ingredients of the currants can be lost. The small leaves should remain on the bush at the base, as new flowers and fruits will form from the buds in the next year.
What should I look out for when buying currants?
Ideally, the berries should come from regional cultivation without the use of fertilizers. The berries can be distorted in the months from June to August. If you fancy the delicious berries at other times of the year, you should rather resort to the frozen variety. Of course, you can also plant your own currant bush in the garden.
Can I plant currants at home?
Currants can also be planted at home. The red and white varieties have similar location requirements to the black berries. They require a sunny to partially shaded location protected from the wind. The soil should be slightly acidic, but waterlogging and dryness must be avoided.
Currants need sufficient light and air. The more sun the berries get, the sweeter they will ripen. Black varieties prefer a sunny location on humus-rich soil, protected from the wind. Too much heat, waterlogging and dryness must be avoided.
Currants flower in early spring. In April, late frost, heat and drought can cause the shrubs to shed their flowers prematurely. Currants should be planted in the fall as they flower very early in the year.
The individual plants need a lot of light and air, so you should plant the berries at intervals. The distance between plants should be at least 1.50 m. You can plant three to four young shoots per bush. No more than four bushes are needed for a family to get enough juice and jelly from the currants.
Conclusion: currants are delicious, ideal for losing weight and are a great topping for Verival organic muesli and porridge. This way you can get healthy vitamins and minerals in the morning and start the day fit. If you don't want to buy the small berries and have a garden, you can of course plant your own currants.
Currants can be used to make not only jam, marmalade, red fruit jelly, juices and desserts, but also a wonderful currant chutney.
A healthier breakfast with Verival – find out more here
- 1.Basu A, Rhone M, Lyons TJ. Berries: emerging impact on cardiovascular health. Nutrition Reviews . Published online March 2010:168-177. doi: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00273.x
Frequently asked questions
How healthy is the currant?
In a word: VERY! The blackcurrant is full of phytochemicals such as anthocyanins and flavonoids. The plant compounds in currants strengthen the cardiovascular system. Potassium, iron, the fiber pectin and fruit acids are also abundant in currants. The blackcurrant is anti-inflammatory. The anthocyanins give them their black-violet color. The phytochemicals in currants have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system and protect against cancer. Anthocyanins have an anti-inflammatory effect and can ward off harmful substances. Athletes also benefit from the phytochemicals in currants. The black berries are particularly good at protecting against muscle soreness. In addition, currants contain a lot of iron, which supports the transport of oxygen. They also provide potassium, magnesium and calcium for sufficient energy. The flavor of the berries goes perfectly with sweet desserts and savory meat dishes.
What is the black currant good for?
The anthocyanins (water-soluble plant dyes) are responsible for the black-violet color of the berries. Blackcurrants are full of phytochemicals such as anthocyanins and flavonoids. These strengthen the cardiovascular system. Potassium, iron, the fiber pectin and fruit acids are also abundant. Blackcurrants are also anti-inflammatory. Athletes also benefit from the phytochemicals in currants. The black berries are particularly good at preventing muscle soreness.
How and when do you prune currants?
Pruning the berry bushes is not difficult. Regular pruning and a good nutrient supply strengthen the shrubs' resistance to diseases and pests and promote growth. The lower side shoots and those in the upper area that have grown too densely can be removed. The cut should be made exactly above the healthy bud of the currants (red and black). This will help the wound to heal quickly. The plants are sensitive to gray mold. The pathogens enter the currants through injuries to the plant. In spring, the berries are less easily infected, making this time better suited for pruning.
Which currants are healthiest?
Without a doubt, blackcurrants are the healthiest. They contain potassium, iron, fiber and phytochemicals that strengthen the cardiovascular system and also have anti-inflammatory effects. A handful of blackcurrants a day and you'll be in good shape when it comes to vitamin C. Blackcurrants contain five times as much vitamin C as redcurrants.
Are currants good for the gut?
All currants have a high pectin content. This high fiber content helps to stimulate your digestion. Blackcurrants are particularly good for this. They are said to have a soothing effect on diarrhea.
How do you fertilize currants?
You should fertilize currants two to three times a year – ideally with organic berry fertilizer, some rotted manure, horn shavings or nettle slurry. Since currant bushes have flat roots, further tilling of the soil is not recommended, as it could destroy roots.
How old can a currant bush get?
With good care and a suitable location, the gooseberry plant can live up to 18 years. Even then, the shrubs can still bear fruit well if the conditions are ideal. Pruning, fertilization and good care are of course also important.
How can I recognize old currant shoots?
You can recognize young shoots by their lighter brown bark, because older shoots have usually already turned a dark brown color. The lower side shoots and the shoots that have grown too densely in the upper area can be removed. The cut should be made exactly above the healthy bud of the currants (red and black). This way, the wound can heal quickly.
Are currants diuretic?
Currants have many health benefits, including a diuretic effect. In addition, currants contain a lot of iron, which supports the transport of oxygen. They also provide potassium, magnesium and calcium for sufficient energy. Currants thus strengthen your immune system and even have an anti-inflammatory effect (blackcurrant).
Are currants good for diabetes?
Berries in general and currants in particular are relatively low in carbohydrates and are therefore good for a diabetic's diet. Other fruits contain much more fructose (i.e. fruit sugar/carbohydrates).
Are currants laxative?
Yes, red currants have a diuretic and slightly laxative effect. In general, the fruits of the currant bush are rich in fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C) and salicylic acid (it has an anti-inflammatory and corneal dissolving effect - currants therefore also have a positive effect on a beautiful complexion).
Are currants good for the heart?
Yes, because they contain potassium, iron, fiber and phytochemicals that strengthen the cardiovascular system and also have anti-inflammatory effects. A handful of currants, especially the black berries, will do your heart and blood vessels some good. They also have a positive effect on your cholesterol level, which in turn protects you from cardiovascular diseases.
Are currants good for the blood?
Dark (black) currants in particular can have a positive effect on your blood count. They contain an extremely high amount of vitamin C, which helps to prevent anemia. They also have an anti-inflammatory effect and boost metabolism and digestion.
