Currants (Ribes sativum)

Other names: Ribes nigrum, Ribes rubrum, currant, currant, garden currant, strawberry, stinking currant, stinking currant

Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)

The currant (Ribes sativum), also known as Ribes nigrum, Ribes rubrum, common currant, currant meruzalka, garden meruzalka, meruzalka, stinking currant or stinking currant, is a shrubby plant that is popular mainly for its fruit. This plant belongs to the meruzal family (Grossulariaceae) and is widespread in different varieties almost all over the world. Currant fruits are small berries that can vary in colour from white to red to black. Apart from their taste, they are also very popular for their high content of vitamin C and other beneficial substances.

Currants are used in many food products. They are great for making jams, juices or wines. They are also used to make various kinds of liqueurs and syrups. Currants are also a popular fruit for making various kinds of cakes, pies and desserts. Redcurrants are often used in the kitchen to prepare various sauces, above all the traditional cranberry sauce. Blackcurrants are also used in the tea industry - the dried leaves can be used to make a delicious and healthy tea. In addition to the food industry, it is also used in the pharmaceutical industry, where the fruit and leaves are used to produce various preparations to improve health and immunity.