Currants - Currently a thing
Post sponsored by Welcome to PDX Real Estate Agent, Deb
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Post sponsored by Welcome to PDX Real Estate Agent, Deb 〰️
currants - What are they?
If you aren’t familiar with currants, it’s likely because these berry shrubs were actually banned everywhere in the U.S for almost 50 years after it was discovered that the plants were a host for white pine blister rust disease. “Currant”-ly, the ban has been lifted by most states, though some states still enforce the ban or require a permit in order to plant a currant shrub.
Currant at the Fruits of Diversity Orchard. They can be black, red, white, or even pink!
When to Harvest
Currants found in the U.S are usually of the red, white, or black varieties. They are ripe when fully colored, juicy and slightly soft. This typically occurs beginning late June-early August, and multiple harvests can be made from a shrub over a period of a few weeks. The berries will not ripen after picking, so be sure not to pick too early.
How to Harvest and store
Picking currants individually can be tedious, so you can speed things up by picking them by the cluster, or “strigs”, and removing the berries later by combing the strig with a fork. Like other berries, currants will not last long after picking, but can be stored unwashed and loosely covered in the fridge for a few days. For longer storage, currants can be washed and frozen in a single layer just like mulberries or cherries, or dehydrated.
What Does it Taste Like?
The flavor of currants vary slightly among varieties. Red currants are sweet and tangy like cranberries, while black currants taste more earthy and similar to blackberries. White currants are the sweetest of the three.
You can use currants anywhere you would use more common berries, and you’ll find many British recipes that utilize the berry’s sweet-tartness for baked goods. Watch a season or two of the Great British Baking Show and you’re likely to come up with several ideas, such as Garibaldi biscuits or a black currant cheesecake.
Preserve the Harvest
Because of the high pectin level in currants, jams and jellies are an excellent way to use up a bountiful harvest. Black currants are also popularly paired with savory dishes as a sauce that is both sweet and tangy. Currants can also make a great summertime salad. Of course, there’s also pies, tarts, crumbles, muffins, ice cream, and smoothies- almost too many options to list!
Do you have extra and need help?
Talk to your neighbors! It’s a great way to meet them and you can share your abundance hyper locally!
Check out the Freeya App - post your bounty for interested community members
Donate it through Portland Fruit Tree Project’s Fruit Fridge! Harvest and drop off at your convenience and we’ll get it all used up!
Schedule a harvest with us! Volunteers LOVE harvests that don’t require ladders!
Take the next step with Portland Fruit Tree Project!
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