Blackcurrant is a tiny plant of the family of Grossulariaceae, in the genus; Ribes. Its scientific name: Ribes nigrum. Currants are native to central and northern Europe and Siberia. The currant (Ribes) herb is a fast growing, deciduous, small shrub attaining about 5-6 ft high. In general, currants increase best lawn mowers of the regions where high seasons are humid but winter seasons severe and chilling.
dark-colored currants red currant
Blackcurrants (Ribus nigrum).
Photo: mwri) Red currants.
During the season, Ribes nigrum bears pendulous string of small berries. Every currant berry has a scale about 1 centimeter in diameter, very dark purple, almost black with a glossy skin, and a persistent calyx at its apex. It might bring about 3-10 tiny, consumable seeds.
Currants can come in several colors. Berries of red, white and red currants feature translucent pulp, sweeter in taste. They will, however, concidered inferior to blackcurrants in conditions of antioxidant power.
Jostaberry are hybrids of R. nigrum and other wild gooseberries.
Health benefits associated with black currants
Black currants carry significantly high amounts of phenolic flavonoid phytochemicals called anthocyanins. Scientific studies suggest that consumption of blackcurrants can have potential health results against cancer, aging, irritation, and neurological diseases.
Black color currants have anti-oxidant value (Oxygen radical absorbance capacity- ORAC) of 7950 Trolex Equivalents per 100g, which is one of the highest value for vegetables after chokeberries, elderberry, and cranberries. Red currants, however, have got comparatively less ORAC value of 3387 OTRZYMANE.
They are an outstanding types of antioxidant vitamin, vitamin-C. 75 g of fresh currants provide more than 300% of daily-recommended intake beliefs of vitamin C. Studies have shown that usage of fruits rich in vitamin C helps the human body develop protection against infectious agents and also help scavenge hazardous oxygen-free radicals from your body.
Black currants carry small but significant amount of vitamin A, and flavonoid anti-oxidants such as beta-carotene, zea-xanthin and cryptoxanthin levels. 100 g fresh cherries provide 230 IU of vitamin A. These chemical substances are known to have antioxidant properties. Vitamin A is also required for maintaining integrity of mucusa and skin, and essential for healthy vision. Furthermore, consumption of natural fruits rich in flavonoid anti-oxidants helps to protect from lung and oral tooth cavity cancers.
Fresh blackcurrants are also abundant with many essential vitamins such as pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) and vitamin b1 (vitamin B-1). These vitamin supplements are essential or in other words that human being body requires them from external sources to renew and required for metabolism.
They also carry good levels of mineral iron. 70 g currant berries provide about 20% of daily recommended levels. Iron is an important co-factor for cytochrome oxidase guided cell metabolism and red bloodstream cell (RBC) production in the bone marrow.
On top of that, the berries are also a very good supply of other important minerals like copper, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, and potassium, which are incredibly essential for body metabolism.
Selection and storage space
Black currants season holds up from July until Oct. In the event the berries are to be stored by any means, they should be picked in one piece. Damaging them can be avoided by picking up the whole string by its stem, taking treatment not to damage the spur.
Fresh currants feature deep-purple, almost black, with a glossy skin and a persistent calyx at the apex. Avoid fruits that are incredibly soft, shriveled and with cuts/bruises with leaking juice. If not used immediately, store them inside the refrigerator, where they keep fresh for few days.
Preparation and serving methods
In the wild, blackcurrants can be picked up off their natural habitat and can be consumed "as is". When purchasing from the stores, choose berries that are looking healthy, uniform in proportion, and bright in color. Wash them in cool water just prior to use to keep their texture intact.
Here are a few portion tips:
porridge and dark-colored currants
Black currants lead porridge.
Photo: storebukkebruse
Fairly sweet, and delightful red, green and white varieties of currants can be used fresh or dried as snacks.
Tart, astringent quality black currants are popular in many culinary food, especially boiled and pureed, across Europe.
They give refreshing taste when added to fruit cocktails.
Charcoal currants are being used in the preparation of muffins, pie fillings, and ice creams.
The fruits can be applied in food industry in preparation of sauce, jam, jelly.
The berries double in distinctive flavored drink preparation.
Safety account
Black currants can be eaten safely in children and women that are pregnant. In some sensitized persons, nevertheless , sensitized reactions may occur to the berries and food products with them.