Fruit|Berry | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free High Fiber

Currant

Ribes spp. Allergen-Free
currant

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Grossulariaceae
  • Primary Cuisine European
  • Seasonality Summer (June-August)
  • Source Ribes spp. berries

The Forktionary Angle

"Zante currants are actually tiny dried grapes, not true currants!"

Definition

Small, tart berries, typically red, black, or white, grown on shrubs, enjoyed fresh, dried, or in preserves and baked goods.

Sensory Profile

TasteTart, Tangy, Sweet (when ripe or dried), Fruity
TextureJuicy, Small seeds, Slightly chewy (dried)
AromaFruity, Earthy (blackcurrant)
AcidityHigh

Technical Metrics

Common Uses

Jams, baked goods, sauces, salads

Shelf Life (Dried)

6-12 months in pantry

Vitamin Content

High in Vitamin C (especially black currants)

Nutrition Facts

Per 80g (1/2 cup fresh)
Calories56 kcal
Total Fat0.2g
Saturated Fat0g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Protein1.4g
Total Carbohydrate14g
Dietary Fiber4.3g
Total Sugars7.4g
Calcium33mg
Iron1mg
Potassium275mg

Chef’s Secret

Blackcurrants are exceptionally high in pectin, making them ideal for setting jams and jellies without added thickeners.

Substitutions

Best Match

Dried Cranberries

1:1

For dried currants, similar tartness and sweetness, good in baking.

Dried Cherries

1:1

Sweeter, but similar size and chewiness, suitable for baking or trail mix.

Raspberries

1:1

For fresh currants, similar tartness and small seeds, good for desserts and jams.

Raisins

1:1

For dried currants, much sweeter, lacks the characteristic tartness, but provides bulk.

Buying Guide

Look for plump, firm, brightly colored berries. For dried, ensure they are not too sticky or clumpy.

Flavor Pairings

Apples pears chocolate game meats cheese yogurt oats.

Recipes Using Currant

30 Minutes Or Less Dietary Main Ingredient Side Dishes

Add A Little Interest With Persian Couscous

Quick, vibrant, and flavorful! This Persian couscous recipe is a weeknight dinner hero. Perfect for busy cooks, this colorful dish boasts delightful textures and is ready in under 20 minutes. Serve it as a vibrant side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course. Inspired by Alison & Simon Holst's easy vegetarian cookbook, this recipe is a family favorite – even picky eaters will love it!

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Vegetarian Sweet Savory Side Dishes

Alexander's Orzo And Wild Rice Salad

A vibrant and flavorful orzo and wild rice salad, perfect as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish. This recipe boasts a zesty lemon-herb dressing that complements the nutty wild rice and tender orzo. Easy to make and bursting with fresh flavors, it's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

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Asian Dietary Main Ingredient White Rice

Amazing Turkish Confetti Rice

Experience a taste of Izmir with this vibrant Turkish Confetti Rice! A recipe passed down from a family cook in Turkey, this dish is unbelievably delicious and visually stunning. The perfect side for any occasion, its bursts of color and incredible flavor will leave you wanting more. Prepare to be amazed!

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Time To Make 4 Hours Or Less 3 Steps Or Less Time To Make

Apple Chutney From The Duck Soup Inn

Capture the magic of the San Juan Islands with this exceptional Apple Chutney recipe, straight from the renowned Duck Soup Inn! Sweet, tangy, and subtly spiced, this chutney is the perfect complement to ham, cheese boards, or roasted meats. Imagine the rich flavors of perfectly ripe apples simmered to a luscious, syrupy perfection – a taste of island charm you'll crave again and again.

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Fruit Apples Dietary Rice

Apple Cider Wild Rice Pilaf Treasure

This Apple Cider Wild Rice Pilaf is a treasure trove of flavor! A quick and easy recipe, ready in under 75 minutes, it combines the nutty heartiness of wild rice with the sweet tang of apple cider and the delightful crunch of pecans and cranberries. Impress your family and friends with this festive and delicious side dish, perfect for Thanksgiving, fall gatherings, or any weeknight meal.

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Fruit Preparation Course 4 Hours Or Less

Apple Gingerbread Bread Pudding

Indulge in the ultimate comfort dessert! This Apple Gingerbread Bread Pudding is a decadent masterpiece, bursting with warm spices and the sweetness of apples. Perfect for cozy nights in, holidays, or impressing your guests. Get ready for a taste of pure heaven!

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Cuisine Course Oven Fruit

Apple Scones

Indulge in the warm, comforting aroma and delightful taste of homemade Apple Scones! This easy recipe yields perfectly golden-brown scones, bursting with juicy apple chunks and a hint of cinnamon. A perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea, these scones are incredibly flaky and tender, best served warm with butter and marmalade. Elevate your baking game with this simple yet satisfying recipe!

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Easy Preparation Beginner Cook Low Sodium

Apricot Bread Pudding

Elevate your taste buds with this irresistible Apricot Bread Pudding! Sun-dried apricots and a warm whisper of cardamom transform a classic comfort food into a truly special dessert. Perfectly moist and studded with sweet-tart apricots, this bread pudding is the ultimate cozy treat for any occasion. Get the recipe now!

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Holiday Event Dietary Irish Cuisine

Authentic Irish Soda Bread Bread Machine

Bake the most incredible, authentic Irish soda bread in your bread machine this St. Patrick's Day! This recipe, adapted from "Rustic European Bread," delivers a deliciously crumbly loaf with a subtly sweet flavor. Impress your friends and family with this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing masterpiece. Perfect for celebrations or a simple, satisfying treat.

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Easy Number Of Servings Vegetarian Seasonal

Autumn Oatmeal Muffins

Warm up your autumn mornings with these irresistible Oatmeal Muffins! This easy recipe makes a big batch of delicious, healthy muffins bursting with fall flavors. Imagine the cozy aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filling your kitchen as these perfectly golden-brown treats bake to perfection. They're the perfect grab-and-go breakfast or a delightful afternoon snack. Get ready for a taste of autumn!

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Low Calorie Time To Make Course Low Protein

Baked Apples In Maple Syrup

Indulge in the comforting sweetness of baked apples, infused with the rich warmth of maple syrup and a hint of spice. This easy recipe is perfect for a cozy fall evening or a delightful holiday treat. The apples become tender and juicy, creating a delicious dessert that's both simple and elegant.

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Taste Mood Oven Low In Something Low Cholesterol

Baked Butternut Squash With Apples And Maple Syrup

Embrace the flavors of fall with this irresistible Baked Butternut Squash recipe! Inspired by a classic Bon Appétit dish, this recipe features tender butternut squash, crisp apples, and a luscious maple syrup glaze. Perfect for a cozy autumn dinner or Thanksgiving side dish. Easy to follow instructions and stunning results!

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Chicken Breasts Meat 60 Minutes Or Less Poultry

Balsamic Chicken And Peppers

This Balsamic Chicken and Peppers recipe is a flavor explosion! Tender chicken breasts are coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust and pan-seared to perfection. Sweet bell peppers, tangy balsamic vinegar, and crunchy almonds create a vibrant sauce that perfectly complements the juicy chicken. Served with a side of saffron basmati rice pilaf and green beans (as suggested!), this dish is a delicious and satisfying weeknight meal your whole family will love. Easy to follow instructions and impressive results make this recipe a must-try!

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Dietary Preparation Oven Dietary

Banana Coconut Bread

Indulge in the tropical paradise of our Banana Coconut Bread! This moist and delicious loaf cake is bursting with the sweetness of ripe bananas and the creamy richness of coconut. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. Get ready for a taste of the islands!

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Heirloom Historical 15 Minutes Or Less Inexpensive Side Dishes

Bannock

Discover the secrets of authentic Bannock, a quick and easy Native American fry bread recipe! This recipe, adapted from a classic magazine article, shares a delightful historical anecdote: 'Rich Indians add raisins to their bannock,' offering a delicious twist. Learn to make this simple yet flavorful bread in just 15 minutes – a true taste of tradition!

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Dietary Low Carb Dietary Course

Basil Cucumber Salad

This vibrant Indonesian salad is quick, easy, and incredibly refreshing! Made with crisp cucumbers, fragrant basil, and a zesty vinegar dressing, it's the perfect side dish for any meal. Prepare it in minutes and let it marinate for a burst of flavor that complements everything from grilled meats to noodle dishes. Get ready for a taste of Indonesia!

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Course Easy Time To Make Main Ingredient

Basmati Rice Pilaf

Experience the aromatic delight of this exquisite Basmati Rice Pilaf! This recipe, perfected over countless batches, delivers a fragrant and flavorful rice dish bursting with the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of currants, and a subtle hint of spice. Easy to follow instructions guide you to a perfectly tender rice pilaf that's ideal as a side dish for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. Elevate your meal with this unforgettable rice pilaf recipe.

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Low In Something For Large Groups Time To Make Low Cholesterol

Vegan Crannberry Currant Oatmeal Cookies

Indulge in these delicious and healthy Vegan Cranberry Currant Oatmeal Cookies! Adapted from a Vegan Planet recipe, these chewy cookies are surprisingly good for you and surprisingly easy to make. Bursting with tart cranberries and sweet currants, they're the perfect guilt-free treat for any occasion. A perfect vegan dessert that's both satisfying and wholesome.

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