Leaving blackcurrants on the bush
Leaving blackcurrants on the bush
Hi, I've checked the blackcurrants on the allotment and they've just begun to turn black, a few were black at the weekend and now I'd say well over half are black. We go on holiday for a week in a couple of days, and I don't have a lot of time to go and pick them, but I don't want to get back to find the birdies have beaten me to it (this has happened before!!!!!)
So in your opinion, how long after the first berries start to turn black should they be picked, and how long is it generally safe to leave them? Or is this like asking how long is a piece of string....
So in your opinion, how long after the first berries start to turn black should they be picked, and how long is it generally safe to leave them? Or is this like asking how long is a piece of string....
- Green Aura
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Re: Leaving blackcurrants on the bush
We have to pick them a handful at a time, as they ripen, otherwise the birds nick the lot here. Fortunately they're fairly near the back door.
We're way behind, the currants are all still green, but it looks like we're going to get a good crop this year.
We're way behind, the currants are all still green, but it looks like we're going to get a good crop this year.
Maggie
Never doubt that you can change history. You already have. Marge Piercy
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage. Anais Nin
Never doubt that you can change history. You already have. Marge Piercy
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage. Anais Nin
Re: Leaving blackcurrants on the bush
We also pick the ripe ones as they ripen, which is what we've been doing for a couple of weeks now (Maggie )
I say "we" when I really mean OH, as it's not the easiest job in the world, but I don't think that waiting for all of the currants in a bunch to be ripe will work, as the end ones in a bunch are always still green when the first ones are over-ripe.
If you are stuck for time it's easy enough to throw some netting over individual bushes. It won't totally stop the birds, but it will ensure that you get the majority.
I say "we" when I really mean OH, as it's not the easiest job in the world, but I don't think that waiting for all of the currants in a bunch to be ripe will work, as the end ones in a bunch are always still green when the first ones are over-ripe.
If you are stuck for time it's easy enough to throw some netting over individual bushes. It won't totally stop the birds, but it will ensure that you get the majority.
Tony
Disclaimer: I almost certainly haven't a clue what I'm talking about.
Disclaimer: I almost certainly haven't a clue what I'm talking about.
Re: Leaving blackcurrants on the bush
Ok thanks, I'll make some time to go and pick what I can. I don't have any bird netting so perhaps it's time to buy some, then I can cover one or two bushes as well.
- bonniethomas06
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Re: Leaving blackcurrants on the bush
I don't have any wisdom to offer, but I am very jealous that you have blackcurrants on the go!
What do you generally use them for? Jam?
What do you generally use them for? Jam?
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Re: Leaving blackcurrants on the bush
Well now, here's the thing ... I'm not really that keen on blackcurrants.bonniethomas06 wrote:What do you generally use them for? Jam?
I planted 3 bushes years ago, an early one, mid season and a late. Now all that remains is the early one and that produces far more that I care to eat.
As I can't have sugar, and I think blackcurrants needs LOTS of sugar, we juice some but the best is frozen puree with Greek yogurt. Puree makes life easier too, as they're sieved they don't need topping and tailing.
Tony
Disclaimer: I almost certainly haven't a clue what I'm talking about.
Disclaimer: I almost certainly haven't a clue what I'm talking about.
- diggernotdreamer
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Re: Leaving blackcurrants on the bush
I make blackcurrant cordial and then with what is left after the juice is strained I make jam, sometimes add some sloes for flavour. I also make blackcurrant vodka which is flippin amazing, a lovely liquer for the winter evenings.
Could you ask a friend to pop in a few times to pick the ripe ones and pop them into the freezer so as they don't get wasted or eaten by birds, you could pay with a jar of lovely jam
Could you ask a friend to pop in a few times to pick the ripe ones and pop them into the freezer so as they don't get wasted or eaten by birds, you could pay with a jar of lovely jam
- Green Aura
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Re: Leaving blackcurrants on the bush
I usually just eat them straight from the bush, like sweets, or add a handful to muesli and yoghurt. If we get a good crop I try to make black currant and gooseberry jam (with saved, frozen goosegogs).
Maggie
Never doubt that you can change history. You already have. Marge Piercy
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage. Anais Nin
Never doubt that you can change history. You already have. Marge Piercy
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage. Anais Nin
Re: Leaving blackcurrants on the bush
I like the sound of puree with greek yogurt. I've tried making cordial with ok results, but I'd be interested in knowing your recipe digger. I usually make jam and fruit leather. I also find I prefer them with plenty of sugar or mixed with sweeter fruits. I saw a recipe for blackcurrant cake which I fancy trying. We added some to a rumtopf last year too.
- bonniethomas06
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Re: Leaving blackcurrants on the bush
Ooh puree - less sugary than jam I guess - sounds like a winner.
"A pretty face is fine, but what a farmer needs is a woman who can carry a pig under each arm"
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Re: Leaving blackcurrants on the bush
Wine is absolutely bloody brilliant... Otherwise I also eat them raw - nice just with oats and milk, too - great for lunch! Jam is good (but I also try to avoid sugar...), and it's nicer than cranberries with camembert, I think.
Unfortunately, there's hardly anything on my bush this year. I think I pruned at the wrong time or something.
Unfortunately, there's hardly anything on my bush this year. I think I pruned at the wrong time or something.
Ina
I'm a size 10, really; I wear a 20 for comfort. (Gina Yashere)
I'm a size 10, really; I wear a 20 for comfort. (Gina Yashere)
- bonniethomas06
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Re: Leaving blackcurrants on the bush
I try to avoid sugar too - bit of an issue because I LOVE rhubarb!
"A pretty face is fine, but what a farmer needs is a woman who can carry a pig under each arm"
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Re: Leaving blackcurrants on the bush
+1 on the wine, but then I would say thatina wrote:Wine is absolutely bloody brilliant....
- Thomzo
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Re: Leaving blackcurrants on the bush
Slightly off topic but have you tried rhubarb with strawberries? I was introduced to it a couple of years ago and it's a wonderful combination. Ripe strawberries are sweet enough to make the rhubarb edible without extra sugar.bonniethomas06 wrote:I try to avoid sugar too - bit of an issue because I LOVE rhubarb!
Cheers
Zoe
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Re: Leaving blackcurrants on the bush
Ooh Zoe that sounds good. Will bear that in mind - rhubarb and strawb mush with natural yoghurt and mixed nuts...bliss...
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