Currants come in three colors: red, white and black. They differ in terms of care and, above all, the cut. The bloodcurrant is not grown as a berry bush, but only as an ornamental plant.
What types of currants are there?
There are four main varieties of currants: red currants, black currants, white currants and blood currants (ornamental). They vary in color, taste and use, with some varieties being fungus and pest resistant.
The main varieties
- Redcurrants
- Blackcurrants
- White currants
- Bloodcurrants
When buying, look for hardy currant varieties that are resistant to currant diseases and pests.
Redcurrants
They are the most famous currants. They are characterized by their fresh red color. The taste is sweet with a slightly sour undertone.
- “Heinemanns Rote Spätlese” – blooms late, bears lots of fruit, suitable for immediate eating and processing
- “Makosta” – dark red, very aromatic noble variety
- “Rolan” – early harvest, resistant to fungal diseases
- “Rovada” – large, medium red berries with a very good aroma
- “Telake” – bears very well, resistant to many currant diseases
Blackcurrants
The aroma of fresh blackcurrants is not for everyone because of the tart taste. Because of their high acid content, they are mainly processed with a lot of sugar into desserts, jellies and juice.
- “Bona” – very aromatic
- “Ometa” – rich-yielding variety with aromatic berries, resistant to most diseases and pests
- “Silvergieters Black” – cross-pollination necessary, aromatic and less tart than other varieties
- “Titania” – very large berries, resistant to fungal diseases and pest infestation
- “KieRoyal” – early ripe, sweet, rainproof berries
White currants
White currants are not as aromatic and are a little milder than the red varieties.
- “Blanka” – ready for harvest mid-early
- “Champagne” – fruity aroma, reminiscent of champagne
- “White Versailles” – very large, sugary-sweet berries, good for fresh consumption
Blood currants or ornamental currants
They are grown exclusively for their beautiful spring blooms. Numerous small buds in bright red form on long panicles. White and red-white varieties are also already on the market.
The plant produces a few fruits that hardly have any aroma of their own and are therefore not suitable for consumption. But the berries are not poisonous.
- “King Edward VII” – often represented in home gardens
- “Atrorubens” – ideal for flowering hedges
- “Snowflame” – white-red flowers
- “White Icicle” – white panicle flowers
Tips & Tricks
Black currants are called cassis in French. They are the basis for all desserts, liqueurs and other dishes, with the tart, spicy taste of black berries.
