Blackcurrant
Origin / Growing regions
Although the blackcurrant is native to moderate climate zones, it is grown primarily in Central and Eastern Europe and several Asian countries today. Blackcurrants have been cultivated as a soft fruit in the gardens of Central Europe since the 18th century.
Description
Currants belong to the family of Grossulariaceae (relatives of the gooseberry). The fruits of the blackcurrant grow on summer-green bushes whose typical odour distinguishes them from those of the redcurrant.
Blackcurrant
Fruit
The dark-purple colour of the fruits is an expression of the high anthocyanin concentration in the skin. Due to their high acid content, blackcurrants are seldom processed into pure juice but are primarily used in more readily digestible nectars.
Taste
Blackcurrants taste moderately sweet and mild or tart, aromatic and sour, depending on the specific variety. The sweeter, milder-tasting fruits are usually consumed fresh, while the tart-sour varieties are better suited for further processing.