Red flowering currants are grown for their stunning looks, not for your kitchen table. While the berries aren’t poisonous, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll want to snack on them. Here’s the lowdown on what to expect from these ornamental shrubs.
Are Red Flowering Currants Edible?
You can spot the fruit of the red flowering currant by these tell-tale signs:
- They aren’t actually red; they’re a deep blue-black color.
- They’re about half an inch in diameter.
- They grow in dangling clusters (called racemes).
These berries ripen in the heat of the summer, usually between July and August. While they won’t hurt you if you eat them, they’re pretty much “culinary duds.” Unlike the tart, juicy red currants we use for baking, these berries are incredibly bland and tasteless. Honestly, they aren’t even worth the effort of freezing or turning into jam.
A Five-Star Treat for the Birds
While we might find them boring, our feathered friends think red flowering currants are a total delicacy! Birds absolutely love them, which is why I always recommend leaving the berries right on the branches. Think of it as a peace offering: while you might need to use netting to protect your red currants from hungry visitors, you can let the birds go wild on the flowering variety. It’s a win-win for everyone!
