Exploring the many gifts offered by Black Currants the in the context of Food Forest Design. This is Installment #21 of the Stacking Functions in the Garden, Food Forest and Medicine Cabinet series.
Who knew that the black currant brought so much to the table! It actually makes sense when you know Rockefeller saw no money making opportunity in natural medicine, so he changed medical schools to allopathic medicine. I love the suggested planting arrangements provided also! An amazing (fact-based) article. BTW, I checked most ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) scales don't show black currants, or even Chaga for that matter. Outstanding write up (as usual), thank you.
I know right, after researching and writing this I went running to the freezer to get some berries from the garden to make a smoothie with renewed vigor and enthusiasm! :)
Glad you found the suggesting planting companion info helpful.
Yes it seems like many ORAC scales are biased as they are published by companies tryna sell a certain berry or other substance and so they include (or exclude) things in a way that is flattering to their product. I updated the article as I think Elderberries and Acai (as well as Goji) have higher antioxidants than Black Currants.
In general, I go less by official "ORAC" scales and more by the "how much does it stain my fingers while picking/creating in kitchen and how much does it stain my white clothing when I spill black current mead scale" myself, and Black Currants rate pretty high on that scale indeed!
Wonderful and informative. I adore blackcurrants and recently bought some frozen organic ones from an independent store, as I don't have a garden just now. When I do get a garden again, I will be planting blackcurrants and gooseberries, another favourite.
I think the only reason that blackcurrants are not more popular is because they are fiddly to pick and to "top and tail". Personally speaking, I think it's well worth the effort!
I should buy a currant bush again. I've tried to plant both red and black currants but somehow they both attracted my lawnmower near dusk (yes, that's my own fault) before they rooted in and neither survived.
the funny thing is the choice to grow them had nothing to do with health or nutrition... I love the flavor, and when dried like raisins the sugar crystal crunch texture is fantastic too.
Ahh the old lawnmower will get you every time. Maybe do a ring of mulch around it to make it more easy to notice (while also helping the roots) ?
That is interesting regarding the flavor as I actually think the fresh ripe berries taste unpleasant, but I eat lots of them. I do like the flavor when dried or fermented into mead or kombucha though.
I can mow the touchy parts of my yard while it's more light, and I usually stab deadfall branches into the ground next to the short li'l newbies as warning markers. these were mulched, but I was Blinded By The (Twi)Light...
as I decapitated my plantlings, I haven't had the privilege of eating them fresh.
You don't like the flavour! How curious. It is such a unique earthy-sweet complex flavour profile - uncommon and under appreciated in the Americas - at least West Coast it seems to me. As a European (British) person, it is a much loved flavour.
We are on the Tropic of Cancer, Baja California Sur, and might just need to procure seed and experiment. A lot of northern hemisphere plants are not happy with the humid summers and mild winters here.
Your industry and passion for Mother Earth inspires me so deeply, Gavin. I never stop learning from you. I've (finally) ordered your book, and can't wait to feast (haha) my eyes upon it! Much gratitude for your shining light...xox
Well I have some wild current tomatoes that are as sweet as candy and they are from the mountains of Guatemala so they will appreciate the warmth there :) i`ll add those in there with some medicinal tea herbs (tulsi/lemon balm etc).
Thank you for this love letter to black currants. You're inspiring me to plant some in our garden this spring! 🙏 ♥️
Perfect and so appreciated, Gavin! ❤️
Who knew that the black currant brought so much to the table! It actually makes sense when you know Rockefeller saw no money making opportunity in natural medicine, so he changed medical schools to allopathic medicine. I love the suggested planting arrangements provided also! An amazing (fact-based) article. BTW, I checked most ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) scales don't show black currants, or even Chaga for that matter. Outstanding write up (as usual), thank you.
I know right, after researching and writing this I went running to the freezer to get some berries from the garden to make a smoothie with renewed vigor and enthusiasm! :)
Glad you found the suggesting planting companion info helpful.
Yes it seems like many ORAC scales are biased as they are published by companies tryna sell a certain berry or other substance and so they include (or exclude) things in a way that is flattering to their product. I updated the article as I think Elderberries and Acai (as well as Goji) have higher antioxidants than Black Currants.
In general, I go less by official "ORAC" scales and more by the "how much does it stain my fingers while picking/creating in kitchen and how much does it stain my white clothing when I spill black current mead scale" myself, and Black Currants rate pretty high on that scale indeed!
Thanks for the kind comment.
Wonderful and informative. I adore blackcurrants and recently bought some frozen organic ones from an independent store, as I don't have a garden just now. When I do get a garden again, I will be planting blackcurrants and gooseberries, another favourite.
I think the only reason that blackcurrants are not more popular is because they are fiddly to pick and to "top and tail". Personally speaking, I think it's well worth the effort!
Glad you liked the article.
What about growing them in pots as a temporary method, and then you can plant them in the ground after if you wanted to?
Thanks for the thoughtful comment.
great write up.
I should buy a currant bush again. I've tried to plant both red and black currants but somehow they both attracted my lawnmower near dusk (yes, that's my own fault) before they rooted in and neither survived.
the funny thing is the choice to grow them had nothing to do with health or nutrition... I love the flavor, and when dried like raisins the sugar crystal crunch texture is fantastic too.
Ahh the old lawnmower will get you every time. Maybe do a ring of mulch around it to make it more easy to notice (while also helping the roots) ?
That is interesting regarding the flavor as I actually think the fresh ripe berries taste unpleasant, but I eat lots of them. I do like the flavor when dried or fermented into mead or kombucha though.
Thanks for the comment.
I can mow the touchy parts of my yard while it's more light, and I usually stab deadfall branches into the ground next to the short li'l newbies as warning markers. these were mulched, but I was Blinded By The (Twi)Light...
as I decapitated my plantlings, I haven't had the privilege of eating them fresh.
grammar glitch, should've left out the ", and"
You don't like the flavour! How curious. It is such a unique earthy-sweet complex flavour profile - uncommon and under appreciated in the Americas - at least West Coast it seems to me. As a European (British) person, it is a much loved flavour.
I love red currants too, although blackcurrants are best. Thinking about this makes me hungry.
Ooo, blackcurrants make me go all orgasmic - wonder if we can grow them in Baja California - will have to try!
Not sure, what cold hardiness zone is that?
We are on the Tropic of Cancer, Baja California Sur, and might just need to procure seed and experiment. A lot of northern hemisphere plants are not happy with the humid summers and mild winters here.
Your industry and passion for Mother Earth inspires me so deeply, Gavin. I never stop learning from you. I've (finally) ordered your book, and can't wait to feast (haha) my eyes upon it! Much gratitude for your shining light...xox
Thanks very much for the kind comment Mary! :)
I am honored that you have purchased a copy of my book. I`ll slip in some extra heirloom seeds from my collection with your copy.
I look forward to hearing what you think when you have a chance to dive in.
Oh, that's lovely! As of now, I'm living in FL so slip them in accordingly...😉
Thank you.
Will do! :)
Do you enjoy hot peppers?
I wish! I'm actually a bit of a wuss when it comes to hot peppers, so no. 😂
Well I have some wild current tomatoes that are as sweet as candy and they are from the mountains of Guatemala so they will appreciate the warmth there :) i`ll add those in there with some medicinal tea herbs (tulsi/lemon balm etc).