this post was submitted on 13 Jun 2023
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I planted a white currant bush last year and this year it gave me a couple of handfuls. They have a fresh taste like a green grape but a bit more tart. I'm in the process of drying them now so I can use them to make some currant scones

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[–] dibs@lemmy.world 6 points 1 year ago (1 children)

That's awesome! My parents have a few black currant bushes which they like to make jam with. I'd usually throw a few teaspoons in with some hot water and end up with a nice compote

[–] Gravelsack@lemmy.one 5 points 1 year ago

That sounds delightful! I also have a couple of black currants and one red currant as well, but these seem to ripen quicker. I think I prefer the black currants, flavor wise.

[–] plactagonic 4 points 1 year ago (3 children)

Noo you reminded me how much bushes of red currant I have to pick and process.

Easiest thing is to put it in strong alcohol and make liqueur.

[–] Gravelsack@lemmy.one 2 points 1 year ago

Haha yeah, they're a pain. Even this small amount was extremely tedious to get off the stems.

[–] Frexican21@lemmy.one 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Do you have a recipe to share for red/black/white currant liqueur?

[–] plactagonic 1 points 1 year ago

Set it and wait is best kind - put it in jar (full), pour strong alcohol over it (55% or more), leave it for 5-6 months. Strain, add sugar (not needed) and drink. Nothing special I tried something with wine but it wasn't good.

[–] KIM_JONG_JUICEBOX 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I was thinking make wine out of them. But you need much more than what OP has.

[–] plactagonic 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

When you have 10 plants it is more then enough to make wine. Problem is that there is too much of it, you get bored and looks for simplest solution.

I make liqueur from it, just putting it in strong alcohol for 6 months and straining it after. My brother makes wine.

[–] KIM_JONG_JUICEBOX 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I used to make wine. It can be a lot of work to do it right.

What kind of strong alcohol do you use to make liqueur?

[–] plactagonic 1 points 1 year ago

In some EU countries you can distill your own, we make plum "moonshine" about 50%. It makes better flavour but 80% is better so I will buy clean food grade alcohol.

[–] janAkali@lemmy.one 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I've seen red and black currant, but never a white, could it be not ripe yet, or it is just one of types? Nevertheless, I love black currant, it makes The best jam with gooseberry.

[–] Gravelsack@lemmy.one 4 points 1 year ago

No, they're ripe. I believe its a variety of red currant that lacks the red pigment

[–] venoft@lemmy.world 4 points 1 year ago

Fact: white currants are better than red.

Because I can actually eat the white ones while the red ones are donated to the local birds.

[–] tlongstretch@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

These are delicious. I had never tried currants until I found some for sale in the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia. I read that currants were illegal in USA for a while because they spread a white pine disease, but for whatever reason are now legal again (as of like 10+ years ago)

[–] Player2@sopuli.xyz 2 points 1 year ago

White currants are amazing! We used to have a bush and it was always my favorite over the red and black ones, though it didn't grow as well in our soil.

[–] BetaAssimilation 1 points 1 year ago

Currant scones sound lovely! I’m sure the cooking community would love to see photos of them when they are done. I don’t think I’ve ever actually had a fresh currant, come to think of it. I’ll have to put it on the to do/to grow list.