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White currant

life science Maturity 5-7 Next article →

The white currant is a special type of berry. It belongs to a group of plants called Ribes rubrum. These plants are native to Europe. People often call them cultivars of the red currant. A cultivar is a specific type of plant grown by people. The white currant looks different from the red kind. Its fruit is a translucent white color. These berries also taste much sweeter than red ones.

Growing these plants follows a careful way of working. First, you must pick a good spot for them. They grow best in partial or full sunlight. They also like cool climates and northern areas. You should plant them between November and March. The soil needs to drain well and be slightly neutral or acid. You can even grow them in large containers.

People have been growing these berries for a long time. One special kind is called 'Versailles Blanche'. This type was first bred in France in 1843. Other kinds have special names too. You might see 'Blanka' or 'White Pearl' in a garden. The 'White Grape' and 'Blanka' varieties are very good. They even won an award from the Royal Horticultural Society.

There are many interesting facts about these berries. They are mostly made of water. In fact, they are 84% water. They also have 14% carbohydrates and 1% protein. One 100 gram serving has 56 calories. These berries are a rich source of vitamin C. They provide 46% of your Daily Value of that vitamin.

White currants are very useful in the kitchen. You can eat them raw for a sweet and tart taste. They are also used to make wines and syrups. Many people use them to make tasty jellies. A famous kind is the Bar-le-duc or Lorraine jelly. Even though the berries are white, the jelly is often pink.

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