blackcurrant

Blackcurrants are small, dark purple-black berries with a juicy texture and an intense sweet-tart flavor. Highly aromatic and slightly astringent, they are commonly used in jams, jellies, syrups, sauces, desserts, cordials, and other drinks.

Blackcurrants are much less common in the United States than in Europe, partly because their cultivation was restricted for many decades due to concerns that currant plants could spread white pine blister rust, a disease affecting certain pine trees. Although federal restrictions were lifted in 1966 and cultivation is now permitted in many areas, some states still regulate currants. As a result, fresh blackcurrants can be difficult to find in ordinary supermarkets. Look for them at farmers' markets, specialty produce stores, European groceries, or from local berry growers; frozen blackcurrants and blackcurrant products are often easier to find online.