Red currant

Red currant is a perennial shrub that grows in Europe, Asia and North America. It flowers in April-May. The yellowish green flowers are grouped in dangling clusters and provide nectar for bees. The berries, called currants, are bright red and become ripe in July and August. Red currants remained rather unknown during Antiquity. They were mentioned for the first time in the year 1480 in Mainz (Germany). The fruit later became the claim to fame for the French city Bar-le-Duc. It is still seeded by hand using a goose feather and is used to make jam. Red currant is also grown for decorative reasons in colder regions and is used to prepare fruit-based beverages and wine.