What do I do With Currants?

Black currants are native to central/northern Europe  and northern Asia.  Red currants are native to western Europe.   There are also white currants but they are an albino version of red currants.
It's a fast growing shrub that grows up to 6 feet.  Currants naturally have pectin, which make them suitable for jams and jellies.

Black currants were banned at one time in the eastern US.  They share a common disease with white pine and to reduce these losses many states did not allow for currants to be planted. More recently, with newer, disease resistant cultivars being bred, many states are lifting their limitations on growing so that more parts of North America can enjoy their flavour and nutrition.  Interestingly, in WWII, Britain being short on oranges, supplemented children's diets with black currant to ensure they received enough vitamin C, likely, this is responsible for the significant production and uses in Britain to this day.

How to Plant Currants

Spacing of plants in the garden is approximately 1.5-1.8 meters (5-6 feet).  If you want to plant in rows, space the plants 1.2 meters (4 feet) within the row and space the rows 2.5 meters (8 feet). 

Cultivation

Currants can tolerate a wide variety of soils and can withstand some shade.  They prefer soil that is more moist than dry.  Using container grown stock generally creates the best results.

Companion Plants

There is not substantial information available on companion planting, however a few companion plants that were found are
  • Artemisia
  • Gooseberry
Currants are from the ribes family and so although we have yet to test it, we will be trying garlic, leek and marigolds to see how they perform at keeping aphids away.

Harvest

We find that our currants ripen at various times so we try to harvest an entire bush when it is 75% or more ripe.  Our black currants berries are harvested individually and our red currant berries are harvested with their stems in clusters.  Since we're still new at this, all our currents are hand harvested.

Storage

Currants can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days.  Do not wash berries until ready to use.  For freezer storage rinse and gently pat dry.  Put the berries on a cookie sheet lined with waxed or parchment paper.  Place in the freezer until frozen and then transfer to a freezer bag.  We vacuum seal our fruit for improved quality.

Pairing

Although some are less familiar with currants they have a wide variety of pairing potential.  Consider using currants with;
  • ​Bananas or other tropical fruits
  • Savoury dishes such as lamb, beef, pork or wild game
  • Use with stronger fish such as smoked salmon
  • A unique suggestion is to use currants with tomatoes and mint
  • Seeds and nuts
  • Chocolate

Uses

  • Use currants as a high nutritional additive in smoothies and fruit crisps.  
  • If you're running low on blueberries for a specific recipe consider topping up with black currants to lower the cost.  
  • Create either a flavoured mayo, bbq sauce or marinade.
  • Use in carbonated drinks (both alcoholic and non alcoholic) in syrup form.
  • Fresh or dried leaves of the plant can make a tea that is high in vitamin C.

Preserving

Currants can be frozen, dried or canned as juice, jams or syrups.  If you still have questions, we've found this factsheet on currants from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, especially helpful.

Nutrition

  • Currants (especially black currants) have significant amounts of anthocyanins which have been found to reduce the incidence of neurological diseases, cancer, and inflammation.
  • High in vitamin C, eating currants can help ward off illness.
  • Currants are a source of vitamin A which helps maintain your eyes and skin.
  • A source of vitamins, minerals and iron which helps your metabolism.
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