Did you know that in many parts of the world, June 24th is known as St. John’s Day? It’s no coincidence that this is exactly when currants (often called “St. John’s berries” in Europe) start showing off their first ripe fruit! If you’re wondering when to get your harvest baskets ready, here’s the lowdown on currant season.
Timing depends on the variety
Of course, Mother Nature has the final say—the exact timing always depends on your local weather. But generally speaking, the window for picking depends on which variety you have growing in your backyard. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Red Currants: Mid-to-late June through late August
- White Currants: Mid-to-late June through late August
- Black Currants: Mid-July through late August
Harvest a few times a week
One thing to keep in mind is that currants don’t all ripen at once. To get the best crop, you’ll want to check your bushes several times a week and pick only the ones that are fully ripe. This is key because if you leave them hanging too long, they start to lose that signature bright, tangy flavor.
If you find yourself with a “berry explosion” and more fruit than you can eat at once, don’t worry! Currants freeze beautifully, or you can whip them up into some amazing homemade jams and jellies.
