back

Currant

The currant ( Ribes) is a member of the Saxifragaceae family and is a typically European berry. Because the fruits usually ripen around St. John’s Day (June 24), the plant is also known as “St. John’s Berry”. There are red currants (Ribes rubrum) and black currants (Ribes nigrum). White currants are a sub-variety of red currants. Of all our garden plants, the black currant offers the highest Vitamin C content. The flowers have such a particularly rich fragrance that they are used in perfume production. The red currant reinforces the immune system, promotes cellular exchange, protects the mucous membranes, and calms the nerves.