Blackcurrant

Appearance: The blackcurrant is a deciduous shrub that grows to about 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall. The fruit are small, round true berries that grow in drooping clusters called "strigs." When ripe, the berries are a very dark purple, almost black, with a glossy skin. The plant itself is strongly aromatic, especially the leaves. Flavor Profile: The raw fruit is quite tart and acidic, with a strong, distinctive flavor and fragrant aroma. They are very rich in Vitamin C and polyphenols. Because of their tartness, they are most commonly cooked and used to make jams, jellies, juices, preserves, and the French liqueur crème de cassis.