From JR Fruit Park Sendai Arahama: "Here comes the blackcurrant! Do you know the Japanese name for blackcurrant?

  • Miyagi
  • Experience Gifu
Hello!
Recently at JR Fruit Park Sendai Arahama, the black currant (cassis) and red currant bunches are finally starting to change color. Harvest time is just around the corner!

In the last issue of "From JR Fruit Park Sendai ARAHARAMA," we introduced blueberries, which are in season right now, and this time we would like to introduce currants, which are also small fruit trees. The name may be unfamiliar to you, but the Japanese name for currants is "kurobuseguri" (black currant). I will tell you about the charm of currants in detail!

Have you ever seen fresh blackcurrants?

At JR Fruit Park Sendai Arahama, we grow black-currant and red-currant in addition to blueberries as small fruit trees. Blackcurrants are called blackcurrants in French and redcurrants are called grosseilles in French and redcurrants in English. The blackcurrant (blackcurrant) flower is on the left and the redcurrant flower is on the right in the photo above. You may have heard the words "blackcurrant orange" and "blackcurrant soda" often, but you have probably never seen the fresh blackcurrant fruit.

Trivia: Blackcurrants are also enjoyed at home in other countries.

This type of currant was not introduced to Japan until the Meiji period (1868-1912), and because of its strong acidity, it was not incorporated into the Japanese diet. The red-currant is introduced as an easy-to-cultivate garden fruit tree and is often seen in the Tohoku region, but it is rarely used as a fruit. In Chinese characters, it is expressed as "sour lump," indicating that it was shunned because of its strong acidity.
On the other hand, in Western countries, many small fruit trees are displayed in the stores as the same level as strawberries, as shown in the marche in the photo below, and they are familiar as a fruit commonly used in homes. (From left to right: "wood strawberry," "strawberry," and "red-bunch currant.)
Lausanne, Switzerland: A scene from the June marché

Blackcurrants and grosseilles are distinguished by their color, acidity, and flavor!

In this article, I would like to introduce you to the black-currant (hereafter called "black currant") and red-currant (hereafter called "grosseille").

Characteristics of blackcurrants

Blackcurrants are called "blackcurrants.

Blackcurrants are called "blackcurrants" because of their reddish-purple color, which is as close to black as possible. It is dark because it contains a lot of anthocyanin, a red pigment. Anthocyanin is a type of "polyphenol," a pigment component that makes up the reddish purple color of colored vegetables and fruits, and is a type of antioxidant. It is said to be good for eye strain. It is also high in vitamin C, containing several times as much vitamin C as strawberries or oranges. What makes it stand out is its aroma. Just tearing off a few leaves will give off a unique aroma that tickles the nose. Its color, flavor, and aroma have made it widely used in Europe and the United States for confectionery and cooking.

Characteristics of Grosseilles

Grosseilles are called "red-bound currants

Grosaille's most distinctive feature is its intense red color. Its "ruby" red color is very attractive. It also has a high acidity, and when made into a confiture, it has an extremely rich taste that is not overpowered by the sweetness of about 50% sugar. If the pectin around the seeds is used well, it makes a wonderful confiture with a jelly-like texture and clarity. It is one of the best tasting of all confitures. If made into a sauce, it looks and tastes great with sweet vanilla ice cream. The juice is also very beautiful.

There are varieties of blackcurrants and grosseilles!

Just as there are varieties of apples such as "Fuji" and "Tsugaru" and pears such as "Kosui" and "Akizuki", there are varieties of blackcurrants and grosgrains as well. At JR Fruit Park Sendai Arahama, seven varieties of blackcurrants are grown: Broad, Zarnitza, Ognistaya, Zema, Nevis, Antiga, and Tena, and three varieties of Groseille: Laurent, Stanza, and Elsa. The blackcurrants began to bear fruit gradually last year, and the grosseilles are scheduled to bear fruit this year. Harvest time depends on the variety, but in Sendai, it is expected to be from late June to mid-July.

Varieties of blackcurrants grown at JR Fruit Park Sendai Arahama

(left)Blackcurrant "Broad"
This is an early ripening variety born in Russia. It is large and very resistant to cold.

(middle) Blackcurrant "Zarnitsa"
It is an early ripening variety born in Poland. It has a lot of juice and produces a lot of fruit. The coloring of the flesh makes it suitable for use in a variety of processed products.

(right)Blackcurrant "Ognistaya"
A medium-hardy variety born in Russia.

The World of Cooking Fruits at JR Fruit Park Sendai Arahama

At JR Fruit Park Sendai Arahama, three kinds of small fruit trees are grown: black-currant, red-currant, and blueberry. For those who think that fruits are meant to be eaten raw, we hope that you will explore the world of cooking fruits with a little extra effort. We sell only at JR Fruit Park Sendai Arahama. When you visit the park, please take a look at the direct sales shop.

Moreover, the cooking fruits at "JR Fruit Park Sendai Arahama" are not only small fruit trees. Figs, cooking apples, and more to come!

■Currant & Gooseberry Picking Experience ■
Scheduled to be held over a six-day period from June 22 to 27.
Advance reservations required by phone (limited to 5 pairs per day).


Suguri & blackcurrants are mainly processed into jam, etc., and eaten as a topping for cakes and sweet foods. (Please note that eating them as they are is quite acidic!)


They will also be available at the JR Fruit Park Sendai Arahama.
(Please note that they are quite sour if eaten as is!) They will also be available at the JR Fruit Park Sendai Arahama.

JR Fruit Park Sendai Arahama official website
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