The Currant Scoop

Have you ever considered growing currants? I never did, until a few years ago, by chance, I came upon a small currant shrub at my local nursery. Along with varieties of raspberries, I decided to take a blind leap of faith and give it a go.

Happily I can state that this shrub is probably one of the lowest maintenance plants that we have! No extra watering, no pruning needed. We planted it in the kitchen garden, right against the white picket fence. There it thrives in its full sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon location, consistently (and prolifically) gifting us with the most beautiful bright red berries. Every year, the raspberry mega-shrub neighbor tends to overtake the currant shrub’s personal space, so I go in and aggressively cut back the raspberries shoots (they’re like mint, and pop up everywhere!).

I love being able to pick a few berries to nibble on as I’m out there toiling away. They’re pretty tart, so my favorite way to enjoy them is in a smoothie (I love the zing they add!). Picking the currants by the stems and adding them as garnish to cheeseboards and desserts is a natural.

So, please consider the currant shrub.

Happy gardening!

Love, Nora