Red Currant (Ribes rubrum)

Family: Grossulariaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Ribes rubrum is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pleasant acid flavour, it can be eaten out of hand but is more often cooked in pies, jams etc. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; A pleasant acid flavour, it can be eaten out of hand but is more often cooked in pies, jams etc.; There are rather a lot of seeds in each fruit.

Habitat & North American Range

Damp soils in hedges and woods, avoiding acid soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)