Tag: Ribes nigrum

According to numerous studies, blackcurrants can contain nearly four times more vitamin C than blueberries, making them a nutritional powerhouse. This exceptional vitamin C content is just one of many powerful ingredients found in blackcurrants.

The black currant was once nicknamed the 'forbidden fruit' in the United States, as cultivation was banned for decades due to its association with a tree-killing fungus. While the native variety is known as American black currant, the European variety is sometimes called 'cassis' in the US.

According to reputable sources like nurseries specializing in edible plants, the consort black currant is a small shrub grown specifically for its edible berries. The berries, which ripen in mid-to-late summer, are not only safe for human consumption but are also highly nutritious.

Since its creation in 1938, Ribena has been a household name, but a common misconception persists about its primary fruit. While its rich, deep purple colour may lead some to ask, "Is Ribena blueberry?", the answer is rooted in its very name and origins.

Since its launch in the 1930s, Ribena has used British blackcurrants as its core ingredient. The name Ribena is even derived from the Latin name for blackcurrants, *Ribes nigrum*. This article explains what is the main ingredient in Ribena, detailing how blackcurrant juice concentrate is used to create the brand's iconic drinks.

Though both are berries from the Ribes genus, blackcurrants contain significantly more Vitamin C than redcurrants, with some estimates suggesting five times the amount. Beyond this notable nutritional difference, the two berries diverge dramatically in their flavor, aroma, and best culinary applications, which are critical factors for cooks and gardeners alike.

While the black currant fruit itself is naturally caffeine-free, the caffeine content of black currant tea depends entirely on its base—typically a standard black tea or a naturally caffeine-free herbal infusion.