The English word 'currant' (Pronounced: KUR-uhnt) has been used for this fruit only since 1550, taken from the fruit's resemblance to the dried currants of Greece, raisins made from a small seedless zante grape. The much older English name 'ribes' is of ancient Indo-European origin and is common to other languages.
There are two distinct fruits which are called currants: (1) the dried zante grape; like a raisin, it is used in baked goods and (2) a fresh tiny berry related to the gooseberry. Currents are black, red, or white. The black ones are used for preserves, syrups and liqueurs; while the red and white berries are for eating out of hand.
Red Currants Red currants are for culinary use: juice, jellies and purees. Cultivars are selected for the clarity of juice, size of berry and productivity.
White Currants An albino forms of the red currant. More versatile but less colorful than the red; fine for all culinary uses, but are of lower acidity, thus also suitable for fresh eating. The best sorts are nearly transparent.
PinkCurrants Pink Currants are intermediate between red and white types, in degree of pigmentation. Skin is colorless, flesh is pink.
Black Currants Black Currants have a characteristic aroma, highly esteemed by natives of northern Europe. Leaves also release the scent when rubbed. Fruit are astringent, suitable only for culinary uses.
Season: June – August for fresh currant fruit
How to store: Refrigerate fresh currants, tightly covered, up to 4 days.
Matches well with: almonds, cherries, cream, pears, raspberries
Nutritional Facts Calculated for: 1 cup - dried Calories: 407 Calories from Fat: 3 (0%) Amount Per Serving % Daily Value Total Fat: 0.4g 0% Saturated Fat: 0.0g 0% Monounsaturated Fat: 0.0g Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g Trans Fat: 0.0g Cholesterol: 0mg 0% Sodium : 11mg 0% Potassium: 1284mg 36% Total Carbohydrate: 106.7g 35% Dietary Fiber: 9.8g 39% Sugars : 96.9g Protein: 5.9g 11%
Nutritional information is approximate. Always consult a registered dietician or your physician before embarking on any diet plan which relies on these numbers, and for any other questions.
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