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Edible Pearls: Ribes ‘Blanca’

BY Kevin Lee Jacobs | July 19, 2011 11 Comments

Last updated on December 2nd, 2011

WHEN CHIPMUNKS DEVOUR MY BLUEBERRIES, and robins plunder my raspberries, I can still depend on a substantial crop of white currants. Not only is this Ribes ‘Blanca’ generous with its pearls of juicy, tart sweetness — it is apparently off-limits to vandalizing varmints:

Just why birds, rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels, woodchucks and deer are not drawn to the blanca current is a matter of debate. My own theory is that the creatures can’t see the fruit, because it is nearly transparent when ripe.

The fruit is extremely ornamental through all stages of growth. Following May flowers, strands, or “strigs” of emerald berries drip from the shrub’s graceful twigs. The berries turn pale yellow in June, and then a shimmering, translucent shade of pearl in mid-July. When you can see tiny, dark seeds through the berries’ skin, you know the fruit is ready for picking.

Compared to blueberries, which require acidic soil, and raspberries, which demand considerable pruning, the blanca currant is an easy-going shrub. I give mine average soil (it prefers a neutral pH), full sun, moderate water, and a mulch of shredded, partially decomposed wood chips. These wood chips provide all the food the shrub needs (a fact which has been verified by Steven McKay, who is a nationally-recognized authority on all things currant-related). After harvesting, prune off any twigs which have born berries. This will make room for new fruiting stems.

Even a small garden can accommodate the shrub. Mine, after four years, is only 4 feet tall and about 2 feet wide. To my eyes it is a handsome sight when its grape-like leaves are present in spring, summer and early fall.

Can you possibly find room for this beautiful, productive plant in your own garden? It is hardy in zones 3-8.

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Comments

  1. 1

    Yolanda says

    July 19, 2011 at 5:47 pm

    Oh, what beautiful fruit! I want this plant!

  2. 2

    Adele says

    July 20, 2011 at 12:33 pm

    I've never had luck with blueberries. Maybe this blanca currant is in my future.

  3. 3

    Prairiecactus says

    July 20, 2011 at 1:24 pm

    I jumped over to google the white current after reading your article to find out how to cook with this fruit…boy what silly stuff I found….one recipe said “using small embroidery scissors make a bare 1/4 inch cut in skin, remove seeds using a needle”…I wonder now how you use the berries. A few recipes said to add to doughs for baking and many were for jelly or syrup.
    I have a favorite red currant jelly that I buy two or three times a year and it wonderful on thick sourdough toast alongside a nice cup of tea. (Beautiful photo!)

  4. 4

    Kevin Lee Jacobs says

    July 20, 2011 at 7:56 pm

    Prairiecactus – It seems white currants are so rarely grown that there aren't many recipes for them. There is a white currant preserve made in France, and indeed the seeds of the berries are removed by needle. As you can imagine, this confection costs $$$.

    I eat lots of my white currants au naturel; others I use for making Summer Pudding. Summer Pudding, if you've never tasted it, is the most refreshing thing in the world on a hot summer's day. I'll post the recipe soon.

  5. 5

    angela says

    July 21, 2011 at 2:44 am

    Mmm- those look delicious and beautiful- I'll have no trouble finding a spot for this- especially as it's hardy to zone 3! what a gem!

  6. 6

    Kevin Lee Jacobs says

    July 21, 2011 at 10:46 am

    angela – Blanca is definitely worth having. Its strigs of berries increase with each passing year.

  7. 7

    brenda cole says

    July 24, 2011 at 8:13 pm

    I should have gone with the currants … A few years ago I opted for gooseberries instead, but they just aren't doing very well. Maybe I'll get a couple of currants and see if I have better luck. Do you know if they can tolerate less-than full sun?

  8. 8

    Kevin Lee Jacobs says

    July 25, 2011 at 1:10 am

    brenda cole – Currants will tolerate part shade. They are more prolific, however, in full sun.

  9. 9

    Lee Baldwin says

    April 15, 2012 at 5:08 pm

    i wish currents were legal here (NH). the permit process to grow ribes is a total Catch-22. you have to buy plants from an approved vendor, but no vendor will commit to sell plants without the permit, which you can’t get without a commitment from the vendor.
    so i bought land in upstate NY just so i can grow currents. can you recommend a good nursery to buy the blanca currents? i already have red & black currents there. thanks

  10. 10

    Joetta Fort says

    May 27, 2012 at 1:56 pm

    I will try to find a couple of these. Maybe I’ll replace the Lonicera with these. The Lonicera bloom like mad, but I get no fruit.

  11. 11

    Kevin Lee Jacobs says

    May 27, 2012 at 2:14 pm

    Lee – Sorry for the delayed response. You can obtain Ribes from Steven McKay at Micosta Nurseries in New York. His website doesn’t seem to be working, but here’s the telephone number (518) 822-9708.

    Joetta Fort – I love Lonicera. But you are right — if you have only so much room, maybe go with edible plants.

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