Black currants grow on deciduous shrubs that reach heights of 2 meters on average. The small glossy berries grow in tightly clustered strands and are a deep inky blue color when fully ripe. Their soft pulpy flesh has a juicy texture and contains multiple small edible seeds. The skin of Black currant berries is slightly thicker than other varieties, contributing to its strong flavor and tannic finish. Their complex flavor profile consists of concentrated raspberry and blackberry, gooseberry, passionfruit, rose and pine.
Nutritional Value
Black currants are an excellent source of vitamin C, containing almost twice that of an orange. They also provide flavonoids, beta-carotene, lutein and phenolic acid.
In the Second World War, Black currant syrup was recommended to parents to serve children by the British government to make up for the lack of vitamin C from other unavailable fruit.
