White Currants
Estimated Inventory, bskt : 0
Description/Taste
A translucent fruit with a pink blush, the unique flavor of the white currant is quite mild. Regarded as the sweetest of the currants, white currants are actually an albino form of the red currant without pigmentation.
Seasons/Availability
White Currant berries are available during the summer months.
Current Facts
The trio of currants, black, red and white, is botanically just one pair. The white currant is merely a variety of the red currant, Ribes rubrum; the black currant is of the species Ribes nigrum. All are round small berries that often retain the withered remnants of the flower that grows opposite their stem end.
Nutritional Value
Low in calories, one cup contains about 63 calories and are usually lower in acid than red currants. Low in fat and sodium, they contain no cholesterol, are high in fiber and provide a good source of potassium.
Applications
White currants are tart but can be eaten fresh, cooked or dried. Add fresh white currants to cake batter, the cook currants with sugar and water until the mixture has thickened and use as a syrup. Combine nectarine slices, fresh white currants and chopped thyme in a baking dish, top with a mixture of butter, sugar, oats and flour then bake into a crisp. Toss white currants with chopped frisee and vinaigrette for a winter salad. Spread fresh white currants over shortbread dough, top with steusel dough and bake into bars. Use fresh currants as a garnish for cakes and tarts. White currants will keep, cool and dry in the refrigerator, for up to a week. As they are highly perishable, use immediately after purchase.
Geography/History
The name "currant" is thought to be a corruption of "Corinth", the Greek city which supplied small raisins erroneously called currants throughout Europe, which in actuality were really dried grapes. The genus Ribes consists of about one hundred species that includes the red and white currants, Ribes sativum Syme and Ribes rubrum L.; the black currant, Ribes nigrum L.; and the gooseberry, Ribes grossularia L.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include White Currants. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Jam Making |
|
White Currant Jam |
| Katie at the Kitchen Door |
|
Lavender and White Currant Muffins |
| Healthfully Ever After |
|
Summer White Currant Lemonade Cocktail |
