Redcurrant facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Redcurrant |
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| Cultivated redcurrant | |
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R. rubrum
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| Ribes rubrum |
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A redcurrant (Ribes rubrum) is a small, round, red fruit. It grows on a bush and tastes a bit tart, but also sweet. Redcurrants are related to blackcurrants and belong to the same plant group called Ribes. You can find them growing naturally in parts of western Europe, like France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, and northern Italy.
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Delicious Ways to Use Redcurrants
When redcurrants are ripe, they have a tart taste that is a bit stronger than blackcurrants. But they are still sweet! There is also a white version of the redcurrant, often called a white currant. It tastes similar but is usually sweeter.
People often use redcurrants to make jams or other cooked dishes. But they are also yummy eaten fresh. You can add them to salads, use them as a pretty garnish, or put them in drinks when they are in season.
Redcurrant Jelly
In the United Kingdom, redcurrant jelly is a popular condiment. It is often served with lamb or other game meats like venison, turkey, and goose. It is especially popular during festive meals or Sunday roasts.
Making redcurrant jelly is a lot like making jam. You cook the redcurrants with sugar, boil them, and then strain the mixture. This makes a clear, bright red jelly.
Redcurrants Around the World
In France, there is a very special and rare jelly called Bar-le-duc. It is traditionally made from white currants or redcurrants. What makes it so special is that the tiny seeds are removed by hand using a goose feather before the fruit is cooked!
In places like Scandinavia and Schleswig-Holstein (a part of Germany), redcurrants are often used in fruit soups and summer puddings. These dishes are sometimes called rødgrød, rote grütze, or rode grütt.
In Germany, redcurrants are also used as a filling for tarts. They are often mixed with custard or meringue. In Linz, Austria, redcurrants are the most common filling for the famous Linzer torte. You can also just enjoy them fresh without adding any sugar.
In German-speaking areas, people make a refreshing drink called Johannisbeerschorle. This is a syrup or juice made from redcurrants mixed with soda water. The name Johannisbeeren means "John's berry" in German. This is because redcurrants are said to ripen around St. John's Day, which is also known as Midsummer Day, on June 24.
In Russia, redcurrants are very common. People use them to make jams, preserves, compotes (a type of fruit sauce), and desserts. The leaves of the redcurrant plant are also used in traditional medicine.
In Mexico, redcurrants are a popular flavor for iced drinks and desserts. They are often used in a treat called 'raspado', which is like shaved ice.
Images for kids
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Redcurrant berries
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Close-up of blossom
See also
In Spanish: Grosellero rojo para niños
