Blackcurrant

The blackcurrant is a temperate shrub which produces small edible berries which are very dark purple/blue in colour—almost black—hence the name.

Blackcurrants have a slightly bitter taste; some find them unpalatable. They are made into jam, ice cream, cordial and liqueur. In the UK (possibly also elsewhere), many sweets include a blackcurrant flavour, but this is generally missing in North America, even in the same brand. In bars, the blackcurrant cordial is referred to simply as "black", as in "vodka and black", "Pernod[?] and black", or "black and lemonade[?]". In North America, blackdurrant cordial is more commonly known as creme de cassis.

When not in fruit, the aspect of the plant is very similar to the redcurrant[?], however there is a way to distinguish them. The leaves and stems of the blackcurrant have a strong odour reminiscent of cat's urine.

Blackcurrants have a high natural content of vitamin C, and in Australia they are marketed as a 'healthy' (if extremely sweet) cordial for children under the brandname of Ribena.

Do not confuse these with the dried fruit[?] currants.