A rich source of phytonutrients, currants belong to the gooseberry family. They are often used in drinks and desserts due to their wonderful flavor. This Tastessence article enumerates the culinary uses and health benefits of currants.
Being a vector of white pine blister rust, black currant farming was banned in the United States in the early 1900s. This ban was lifted from New York in 2003, while it still exists in some other states.
In botany, the term ‘berry’ refers to a fruit that comprises pulp and seed produced by a single ovary. Currants are placed under the category of berries. Black, red, and white currants belong to the Ribes genus and Grossulariaceae family. The botanical names of black currant and red currant are Ribes nigrum and Ribes rubrum, respectively. It must be noted that the white currants are a result of chromosomal alteration or mutation in red currants. White currants score better in terms of flavor or sweetness, when compared to black currants. Most people prefer to use black currants in jams, jellies, syrups, etc., rather than consuming them in their raw form. This is due to their sour or tangy flavor. However, some varieties might be sweeter. These are a very good source of various phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Besides being a powerhouse of nutrients, these berries are often used for imparting flavor or garnishing desserts. Red, pink, and white currants might also be of value to gardening enthusiasts because of their ability to lend visual interest.
Culinary Uses of Currants
Unlike black currants that not consumed directly, red, pink, or white currants can be eaten in their raw or dried form.
- More often than not, these are used in fruit cocktails or mocktails for their refreshing flavor.
- Boiled and pureed black currants are sometimes used in mousses or souffles.
- Black and red currants are often used while preparing jams, jellies, syrups, sauces, wines, liquor, juices, etc.
- These can also be added to impart flavor to cookies, ice creams, buns, muffins, and pies.
- Due to their attractive, glossy appearance, these berries are sometimes used for garnishing desserts.
Nutritional Information about Currants
Though many cooking enthusiasts might use these berries as flavoring agents, these berries are packed with nutrients as well. As per the USDA database, 100 g of raw, red and white currants contain the following nutrients:
| Nutrients (Value per 100 g) | |
| Water | 83.95 g |
| Calories | 56 kcal |
| Protein | 1.40 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.20 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 13.80 g |
| Dietary fiber | 4.3 g |
| Total Sugar | 7.37 g |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium | 33 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
| Magnesium | 13 mg |
| Phosphorus | 44 mg |
| Potassium | 275 mg |
| Sodium | 1 mg |
| Zinc | 0.23 mg |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin C | 41 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.040 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.050 mg |
| Niacin | 0.100 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.070 mg |
| Folate | 8 µg |
| Vitamin A | 42 IU |
| Vitamin E | 0.10 mg |
| Vitamin K | 11 µg |
| Lipids | |
| Fatty Acids, total unsaturated | 0.017 g |
| Fatty Acids, total monounsaturated | 0.028 mg |
| Fatty Acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.088 mg |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Black currants are more nutritious than red and white currants. This will become clear if you take a look at nutritional profile of black currants from the following table. As per the USDA database, 100 g of raw black currants contain the following nutrients:
| Nutrients (Value per 100 g) | |
| Water | 81.96 g |
| Calories | 63 kcal |
| Protein | 1.40 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.41 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 15.38 g |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium | 55 mg |
| Iron | 1.54 mg |
| Magnesium | 24 mg |
| Phosphorus | 59 mg |
| Potassium | 322 mg |
| Sodium | 2 mg |
| Zinc | 0.27 mg |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin C | 181 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.050 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.050 mg |
| Niacin | 0.300 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.066 mg |
| Vitamin A | 230 IU |
| Vitamin E | 1 mg |
| Lipids | |
| Fatty Acids, total unsaturated | 0.034 g |
| Fatty Acids, total monounsaturated | 0.058 mg |
| Fatty Acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.179 mg |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Health Benefits of Currants
Both black and red currants are a rich source of various vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. However, black currants have more to offer, in terms of nutrients. Several health benefits have been associated with the consumption of fresh currants. These are due to the presence of phytonutrients such as:
✦ Anthocyanin
✦ Polyphenols
✦ Flavonoids
✦ The term ‘flavonoids’ refers to a class of plant pigments that are known to possess antioxidant properties. Flavonoids present in currants include cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene.
✦ Studies have revealed that black currants have a high antioxidant capacity (AOC). AOC in red currants is lower than that of black currants. Black currants have a high antioxidant value or Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of 7950 Trolex Equivalents per 100 g. On the other hand, the ORAC value of red currants is 3387 TE.
✦ Currants are a very rich source of vitamin C. You can easily fulfill the body’s daily recommended intake of vitamin C by having a cup of black currants. The presence of vitamin C not only improves the antioxidant capacity of these berries, but also helps in the absorption of iron.
✦ Being a good source of fiber, these also help in improving the digestive health.
✦ Consuming them can help lower the risk of damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are substances that cause oxidative stress, thereby affecting the cells in an adverse manner. Free radicals can cause premature aging, and make one susceptible to serious diseases.
✦ The health benefits of black currants can also be attributed to high levels of phenolic flavonoid phytochemicals called anthocyanins. These compounds can help protect the body from aging, inflammation, and neurological diseases.
✦ 100 g serving of fresh currants provides 230 IU of vitamin A, which plays a vital role in keeping the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes healthy.
✦ Black currants also contain vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, and vitamin B1. These vitamins are also essential for maintaining optimal health.
✦ 100 g serving of fresh black currants provides about 20% of daily recommended intake for iron. Including iron-rich food items is essential for staying healthy, as this mineral is essential for the production of red blood cells. It is also needed for other essential bodily processes.
✦ Currants are also a very good source of potassium, which is why consuming these berries might prove beneficial in case of individuals affected by hypertension.
✦ The application of black currant seed oil is believed to help alleviate the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis to some extent.
✦ Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) present in black currant seed oil is believed to help in reducing inflammation in the body.
✦ These berries are also a good source of other essential minerals such as copper, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, and magnesium.
✦ Red currants are known to possess antipyretic properties. Thus, these can help in reducing fever.
On a concluding note, currants are a wonderful source of vital nutrients that are essential for the healthy functioning of the human body. So, do not just use them to garnish desserts, include these berries in your diet to stay healthy.