What are commonly referred to as "currants" in a culinary context are not actually berries from a shrub, but rather dried berries that come from seedless Black Corinth grapes. These are also known by names such as Zante currants or Black Corinth raisins.
Currants: Dried Grapes, Not Berries from Shrubs
Based on the reference provided (09-Feb-2023), the term "currants" primarily refers to a specific type of dried fruit derived from a particular grape variety:
- Source: Seedless Black Corinth grapes.
- Form: Dried berries of these grapes.
- Other Names: Zante currants, Black Corinth raisins.
It's important to note that this dried fruit is often confused with other fruits also called "currants," which are true berries.
Distinguishing Currants (Dried Grapes) from Currant Berries (from Shrubs)
The reference highlights a key distinction:
These [currants from Black Corinth grapes] are not to be confused with black, red, or white currants, which are grape-like berries that come from shrubs and are not usually eaten dried.
This means there are two main types often discussed when the word "currant" is used:
- Currants (Culinary/Dried): These are the dried grapes from the Black Corinth vine. They are small, dark, and intensely sweet, commonly used in baking.
- Currant Berries (Botanical/Fresh): These are the berries from Ribes shrubs (like blackcurrants, redcurrants, and whitecurrants). These are tart, juicy berries that grow in clusters and are typically used fresh, in jams, sauces, or juices, and are not usually dried and sold as "currants."
Here's a quick comparison:
| Feature | Currants (Dried Grapes) | Currant Berries (from Shrubs) |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical Origin | Vitis vinifera (Grapevine) | Ribes genus (Shrub) |
| Typical Form | Dried | Fresh |
| Common Names | Zante Currants, Black Corinth Raisins | Blackcurrants, Redcurrants, etc. |
| Taste | Sweet | Tart |
| Culinary Use | Baking (scones, cakes), puddings | Jams, jellies, sauces, juices |
Common Uses of Currants (Dried Grapes)
Due to their intense sweetness and small size, dried currants (Zante currants) are popular ingredients in various culinary applications, particularly in baking.
- Baked Goods: Essential in traditional British scones, currant buns, fruitcakes, and puddings like spotted dick.
- Snacks: Can be added to trail mix or granola.
- Savory Dishes: Sometimes used in savory dishes to add sweetness, such as stuffing or tagines.
In summary, while the term "currant" can botanically refer to berries from certain shrubs, the culinary "currant" is, accurately, a small, sweet raisin made from dried seedless Black Corinth grapes.
