Currants are one of summer's healthiest treasures. They are easy to grow – you can cultivate them both in your garden and on your terrace. They are rarely damaged by pests, are resistant to various weather conditions, and do not require special care. Every year, each bush bends under the weight of clusters of juicy fruit with a unique taste. How can you use them to prepare fragrant and colorful desserts that both children and adults will love?
Currants - a colorful source of vitamins
Currant is one of the most popular shrubs grown in home gardens. No wonder – for little care, it rewards with an abundant harvest. This plant grows wild throughout the northern hemisphere, and botanists distinguish as many as 150 species. Despite its widespread occurrence in nature, its health-promoting properties were appreciated only... in the Middle Ages. However, there are only six cultivated varieties in Poland, among which red, black, and white currants are the most popular. Interestingly – gooseberry is also a type of currant!
Currants are full of vitamins. Even a small amount of particularly black berries satisfies an adult's daily need for vitamin C. These tart fruits also contain many other vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants.
Above all, however, they stand out with their unique taste – a perfect combination of sweetness and acidity. The intense color of the juice also means that currant desserts not only tantalize the palate but also delight with their appearance. What to do with red currants? What to use black currants for?
Inspiring currant treats
You can find many recipes for desserts made from these delicious fruits. From tarts, ice cream, pancakes to aromatic sauces or currant cake – all are easy to make and do not require great culinary skills.
The easily achievable purple, pink, or red color looks sensational with the white of creams. In turn, gradually adding juice or red currant mousse to dairy products allows you to easily achieve a stunning ombre effect, which, among other things, makes a currant cake so tempting. Such diverse desserts, which can be prepared not only in summer, will appeal to children, but can also be an elegant element of the menu during a classic party!
Currants are very decorative. Colorful clusters and individual berries – especially in mixed colors or accompanied by mint leaves – will decorate any treat, cocktail, or even a drink! Both dessert glasses and a cake stand decorated with green sprigs will look exceptionally elegant – and without much effort.
To preserve the flavors of summer for longer, currants can be frozen. This way, almost all colorful desserts can be served at elegant parties and intimate gatherings with loved ones not only during the holidays but all year round!
Summer treasures in elegant glass
Due to their exceptional color, currants require appropriate serving. Crystalline glass works perfectly here – ideally transparent, allowing you to feast your eyes on the rich color of the sweets. Dessert bowls are ideal for beautiful layered afternoon treats. A cake stand, in turn, is a perfect way to serve both aromatic cakes and appetizing cupcakes or meringues with currants.
Dessert glasses filled with colorful currant mousse are a quick dessert solution when unexpected guests drop by. Easy-to-make homemade currant jelly, accompanied by sweets, will be a healthy and delicious afternoon snack – but not only! There's nothing stopping you from serving it... with a cheese board or aromatic roast.
Quick currant desserts
Currants are grateful fruits from which many wonderful desserts can be effortlessly made. It is worth remembering two basic recipes: for currant mousse and homemade jelly. Based on these two recipes, you can prepare many different treats for any occasion – combining them according to your preferences with crushed biscuits, a shortcrust base, no-bake cheesecake, meringues, whipped cream, and many other – including savory – ingredients. Regardless of the target dish, thanks to the intense color of the mousse or jelly, all will look exceptionally elegant in crystal glass dishes.
Red currants give a red color, black ones – purple. Before any action, they need to be thoroughly washed and removed from their stems, using a fork to help. For some recipes, a coarse sieve or a juicer will also be needed to separate the small currant seeds from the pulp.
Recipe for currant mousse
To prepare a simple currant mousse, you will need:
- 2 cups of red or black currants;
- 2/3 cup of semolina;
- 2 cups of water;
- 2 tablespoons of sugar.
Cook the currants for 7 minutes – use 1 cup of water for every 1 cup of currants. While still warm, strain them through a sieve into the water they were cooked in. Add semolina and sugar to the juice, bring to a boil. Cook over low heat until the mixture thickens. Wait for it to cool down. Pour into glass dessert bowls, combining the mousse with other ingredients as desired, or serve on its own.
Recipe for homemade colorful currant compote
To prepare a delicious colorful currant compote, you will need:
- 2 cups of colorful currants - choose your favorites;
- 2 liters of water;
- sugar to taste.
Wash the fruits thoroughly and place them in cold water, then put them on the heat. After boiling, turn off the heat and add sugar to taste. Serve as you like - with or without fruit. It tastes excellent both warm and cold with plenty of ice.
Recipe for homemade currant jelly
To prepare simple homemade currant jelly, you will need:
- 2 parts currants;
- 1 part sugar.
Transfer the washed fruits to a pot and cover completely with water. Cook for about half an hour over low heat. Strain the cooked fruits – without the water – through a sieve. Add sugar to the mixture and, if desired, a few raw currants. Cook for another 15 minutes. Pour into dessert bowls or jars. When the juice cools down, it will thicken. Currants contain a lot of pectin, so no gelatin or agar is needed to make homemade jelly.