Let us introduce to you the ‘forbidden fruit’ in the U.S. It is none other than the Black currant.
What does Black currant taste like? It has a very distinct taste, like a tart and with an earthy tone.
Many people find the taste of fresh Black currant to be of a bitter taste. But, one thing is sure- it is very aromatic. In fact, the whole plant is so fragrant that perfumers use every part of the Black currant plant as an ingredient in perfumes.
Now, that’s a plant with a power-packed performance. Read on to find out more about this beautiful berry.
What is Black Currant?
Black currants are aromatic and juicy berries that grow in the summer. You can eat it raw or preserve it dried or into jams and syrups.
Black currants are very nutritious and good for health. They contain four times more Vitamin C than oranges. They also have two times more antioxidants compared to blueberries.
As mentioned, the Americans name the Black currant as the ‘forbidden fruit.’ Why? Because for nearly 50 years, Americans thought that Black currants carried a fungus that destroyed pine and timber trees.
But, over the years, they’ve realized it was not so, and slowly by slowly, Black currant’s popularity is on the rise, and cities like New York are taking measures to harvest this fruit.
What Does Black Currant Taste Like? Does Black Currant Taste Good?
Black currant has a texture similar to all the berries. They are also very juicy and contain seeds that you can chew and swallow.
Dried Black currants give out a very strong and sweet flavor. It gives out an aroma of natural earthiness.
Usually, Black currant has two distinct tastes. The fresh and dried ones may smell the same, but they have different flavors to them.
Fresh Black currants have a tart-like taste to them with an earthy flavor. They are somewhat similar to the taste of a dark berry but are not that sweet. They are a bit more acidic in content.
But, dried Black currants are sweet compared to fresh ones. They taste similar to raisins which are basically dried grapes.
According to WebMD, the health benefits of eating Black currants are
- It improves digestion because of the fiber present in them.
- It helps in controlling type 2 diabetes because of the manganese present in them.
- It is full of antioxidants that help you fight symptoms of cancer by repairing your damaged cells.
- It helps in fighting symptoms of heart diseases.
- It may help in treating and prevention of glaucoma.
According to the USDA, 100 grams of Black currants contains
- 60 calories
- 40 kcal of energy
- 11 grams of carbohydrates
- 9 grams of sugar
- 1 gram of added sugar
- 0.20 grams of fat
- 4 grams of fiber
- 1 gram of protein
- 45 mg of Vitamin C
Black currants also contain small amounts of folate, zinc, iron, manganese, and calcium.
How to Cook/Use Black Currant in Recipes?
You can make a variety of dishes out of Black currant. The most popular recipe is Black currant Jam.
You need to use Black currant and/or other fruits like blackberries or blueberries and a lot of sugar. You can also make Gelatin from Black currant or Black currant syrup.
You can make delicious crumbles out of Black currant. Try this very-berry oat crumble with Black currant recipe.
For a tasty and healthy dessert, you can include black currant as an ingredient in your pies. You also have the option of making puddings from black currants if that is something you would like to try.
It’s interesting to note that bakers consider Black Currant Pudding the Queen of all desserts because it has so many health benefits but tastes delicious too.
Another popular recipe to make from Black currant is Black forest pudding. You can click here for the recipe.
You can also make a sauce out of Black currant to use for your game meat like turkey or deer.
Black currant is a wonderful ingredient for incorporating in your drinks. You can try a famous cocktail called Dracula’s bite made with Black currant, Campari, and Gin.
Allergy because of Black currant consumption is rare but can often happen, so preventive measures are advisable.
Black currant contains an omega fatty acid called Gamma-linolenic acid that can cause headaches, loose motion, or the release of gas frequently. If you have a bleeding disorder, it is best to avoid eating Black currants.
Conclusion
It is not only the berries of Black currant that people savor but even its leaves and flowers contribute so much to perfumes and medicinal oils.
They may have a short season, but their products will be on the shelves the whole year-round.
So, even if you cannot find fresh ones, if you ask at any departmental store, Black currant will be available to you.
What Does Black Currant Taste Like? Does Black Currant Taste Good?
Ingredients
- Black currant
- Ingredients from your favorite recipes
Instructions
- Depending on the recipes you choose, the taste can vastly differ.
- For authentic results, it is important to choose a recipe that will highlight the original flavor.
- Have fun experimenting with different recipes and taste tests!
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