What To Do With Black Currants: 27 Delicious Ways To Use This Unique Fruit

Black currants are a unique fruit that can add a delicious burst of flavor to many dishes However, their tart, intense taste means they are best enjoyed when cooked or paired with complementary ingredients If you’ve got fresh black currants on hand, there are so many tasty ways to enjoy them beyond just eating them raw. From sweet baked goods to savory sauces, let’s explore the diverse culinary possibilities of the black currant!

A Little Background on Black Currants

Black currants (Ribes nigrum) are small purple berries that grow on deciduous shrubs. They are native to parts of Europe and Asia. The berries have a bittersweet pungent flavor that is quite distinctive. When raw black currants can be very tart. But when cooked or prepared in recipes, their flavor really shines through.

Black currants contain high amounts of vitamin C, antioxidants, and other beneficial plant compounds. Their seeds are particularly rich in gamma-linoleic acid, an anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid. Some potential health benefits linked to black currants include improving heart health, reducing inflammation, and easing arthritis pain.

Now let’s get to the fun part – eating them! Here are 27 tasty ways to enjoy fresh black currants:

Sweet Black Currant Recipes

When paired with sugars or other sweet ingredients, black currants transition from tongue-twistingly tart to a delightful balance of sweet-and-sour. Here are some sweet treat ideas:

1. Black Currant Jam

Sweet, spreadable black currant jam is a delicious way to preserve the harvest while accentuating the berries’ natural flavor. Spread it on scones, toast, or even mix into yogurt or oatmeal! Simmer the currants with sugar and lemon juice until thick and jammy.

2. Black Currant Pie

Bake the berries into a sweet pie, pairing their puckery taste with flaky pie dough. Top it off with vanilla ice cream for contrasting sweet creaminess! The filling can be as simple as currants, sugar, cornstarch, butter, and lemon zest.

3. Black Currant Sorbet

Puree cooked black currants into a smooth, scoopable sorbet for a cool, refreshing treat! Blend the cooked fruit with sugar syrup and lemon juice, then freeze the mixture in an ice cream maker. Intensely currant-y!

4. Black Currant Cupcakes or Muffins

Add interest to baked goods like cupcakes, muffins, or even cakes by mixing in fresh or dried black currants. They look beautiful peeking out from fluffy batter! Complement them with vanilla, cardamom, cloves, or other spices.

5. Black Currant Liqueur

Infuse vodka or brandy with black currants for several weeks to create a unique liqueur. Sweeten with sugar syrup to taste. Elegant served chilled over ice or mixed into cocktails!

6. Black Currant Fruit Leather

Puree cooked currants, spread into a thin layer on a baking sheet, and dry out in the oven or dehydrator. The result is a sweet-tart fruit leather snack! Let kids help spread the puree for hands-on fun.

7. Black Currant Oatmeal Cookies

Mix juicy dried currants into cookie dough for chewy bursts of flavor in every bite. They’ll add pretty purple flecks too! Work well in oatmeal cookies, sugar cookies, or biscotti.

8. Black Currant Greek Yogurt Bowl

Stir honey and black currants into Greek yogurt for a simple, protein-packed breakfast or snack. The yogurt’s tartness matches perfectly with the berries. Sprinkle with granola for crunch!

9. Black Currant Maple Dip

Puree cooked currants with maple syrup, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Chill the mixture, then serve with pretzels or apple slices for dipping. A sweet-tart snack dip kids will devour!

10. Black Currant Fruit Salad

Toss cooked currants into a medley of chopped fruit for a fresh summer salad. They pair deliciously with strawberries, peaches, melon, and other fruits. Sprinkle with mint and honey!

Savory Black Currant Recipes

While black currants lend themselves beautifully to sweets, they can also be used in savory recipes to provide a burst of flavor. Here are some ideas:

11. Black Currant Barbecue Sauce

Blend cooked currants into your favorite barbecue sauce recipe. They’ll contribute a tangy sweetness and vibrant color! Brush over grilled chicken, pork, or shrimp.

12. Black Currant Meatballs

Mix dried currants into the ground meat mixture before forming savory meatballs. As they bake, the currants will plump and add moisture. Tart and rich!

13. Black Currant Chicken Salad

Stir cooked currants into chicken salad made with shredded chicken, mayo, celery, and seasonings. The berries add great texture and flavor contrast! Serve between bread slices or over greens.

14. Seared Duck with Black Currant Sauce

Cook up a glaze of black currants, honey, and balsamic to spoon over seared duck breasts for an elegant meal. The bittersweet sauce balances the fatty, savory duck beautifully.

15. Black Currant Pot Roast

As the roast slowly simmers, the currants will melt into the gravy for big flavor. Use them fresh, dried, frozen, or even try black currant jam!

16. Black Currant Cheese Ball

For a show-stopping appetizer, swirl black currant jam into cream cheese mixed with herbs and spices. Shape into a ball, chill, and roll in nuts or crackers before serving.

17. Black Currant Bubble & Squeak

Sauté leftover mashed potatoes and veggies in butter, then mix in cold cooked currants right before serving. Their juices will create an amazing sizzle and pop!

18. Curried Black Currant Chutney

Cook down currants into a gingery, curry-spiced chutney. Spread on meats or stir into dishes for a flavor boost! Keeps for weeks in the fridge.

19. Wild Mushroom & Black Currant Risotto

Add dried currants to wild mushroom risotto right before serving. Their sweetness enhances the earthy mushrooms and creamy rice beautifully.

20. Black Currant & Brie Panini

Layer tart currant jam, melty Brie, and arugula or spinach between slices of crusty bread. Grill the panini until the cheese oozes for a savory-sweet lunch treat!

21. Black Currant Braised Cabbage

Melt black currant jam into braising liquid for sweet-and-sour red cabbage wedges. They’ll caramelize as they cook! Delicious alongside roasts or sausages.

22. Black Currant Salad Dressing

Whisk up a tangy vinaigrette with black currant vinegar or jam, oil, mustard, and herbs. Toss with mixed greens, chicken, berries, walnuts, goat cheese…the possibilities are endless!

Drinks & Beverages

The vivid color and lip-puckering taste of black currants make them ideal for infusing into thirst-quenching drinks.

23. Black Currant Iced Tea

Brew strong black tea, then stir in black currant syrup or jam while the tea is still hot to dissolve. Chill, serve over ice, and garnish with fresh mint.

24. Black Currant Lemonade

Make simple lemonade, then stir in black currant jam until the sweet-tart flavor you love is reached. Fizzy and fruity!

25. Black Currant Smoothie

Blend black currants, banana, milk or yogurt, and honey for a nutrition-packed purple smoothie! Top with chia seeds, granola, or coconut.

26. Mulled Black Currant Cider

Warm apple cider with currants, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and citrus slices. Simmer on the stovetop for deliciously spiced currant cider!

27. Black Currant Wine Spritzer

In a wine glass, stir together chilled white wine and black currant juice or syrup over ice. Top with seltzer and garnish with citrus wheels. Cheers!

As you can see, the options for cooking with black currants are nearly endless! Whether mashed into a sauce, baked into a pie, or juiced into a beverage, they add beautiful color, tart sweetness, and a wealth of nutrients to recipes. What will you whip up with black currants next?