Tag: Zante currant

The black currant bush (Ribes nigrum) and the grapevines that produce black raisins (Vitis vinifera) belong to entirely different botanical families. This fundamental distinction means that despite their similar names and appearances, a black currant and a black raisin are not the same fruit.

The term “currant” causes widespread confusion because it can refer to two entirely different fruits. This ambiguity means that yes, there are indeed other names for currants, depending on whether you are talking about the small dried grape used in baking or the fresh, tart berries from a shrub.

According to the GI Foundation, fresh currants have a low glycemic index, with red currants at 25 and black currants at an even lower 15, classifying them as low-GI foods. This makes them an excellent choice for stabilizing blood sugar levels.