FoodFood InformationFruitBerries
The currant is a tart berry, about the size of a tiny seed pearl, that grows
in clusters. In the United States we grow only red currants, but in Britain
and France they grow black as well as red. The black currant may be host
to a fungus that severely harms pine trees, which is why it is illegal to
import black currant shrubs from overseas.
Currants are primarily used in making jams, jellies, and syrups. (They are
a bit tart to use as a raw fruit.) Back in Grandma's day, when homemade
jellies and preserves were popular, a fair amount of fresh red currants
were sold in retail stores every spring. Today, they have all but disappeared
from the marketplace. The commercial red currant jelly has also all but
disappeared from the supermarket shelves. However, in Europe currant preserves
are best sellers.
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