If we get a nice, warm spring, you can expect your currants to start ripening by late June. The harvest season usually stretches all the way into August since the berries don’t all ripen at once. To help you get the most out of your bushes, I’ve put together a few tips on how to pick these little gems the right way.
Differences in Ripening Times
Currants come in more than just the classic red; you’ll also find black and white varieties. These differences aren’t just about color—they also affect the harvest window. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Red Currants: Late June
- White Currants: Late June
- Black Currants: Mid-July
How to Tell When Your Currants Are Ready
Ripe currants will be fully colored from top to bottom. Depending on what you planted, they should look rich red, deep black, or a translucent creamy white. Since we usually harvest the entire cluster (or “strig”) at once, make sure every single berry on that stem is ripe. The berries should look plump and firm; if they’re starting to look shriveled, you’ve waited a bit too long and they’re overripe. Give them a sniff, too—they should have a lovely sweet-yet-tart aroma.
Another giveaway? They should pop off the branch easily. If you feel a lot of resistance when you pull, they need a few more days. If you’re still not sure, just do a taste test! Red and white currants should be sweet-tart, while black currants will have that signature earthy, musky flavor when they’re ready.
Tips for Harvesting Your Currants
Because currants ripen gradually, you’ll want to head out to the garden for several picking sessions. Checking your bushes about twice a week is usually the sweet spot. Don’t leave ripe berries hanging on the bush for too long, though—not only will they get mushy, but they’ll also start to lose that bright, fresh flavor.
When it’s time to harvest, try to pick a dry day. Late morning is the perfect time, once the dew has evaporated. Wet berries tend to mold and rot much faster. Be gentle! Currants are delicate little things and bruise easily. If you squash them, they’ll leak juice and won’t last nearly as long. I recommend using shallow baskets and avoiding stacking the berries too deep so the ones on the bottom don’t get crushed.
