Page 162 - The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods

Northern Redcurrant,

Ribes triste (GROSSULARIACEAE)

Albert Herring, CC-BY-2.0

Albert Herring, CC-BY-2.0

NORTHERN REDCURRANT is a deciduous shrub fresh, though more popularly used in jams, jellies,
that grows around swamps, woodland edges, and sauces, and pies. When sweetened and cooked, red-
rocky slopes. In areas of ample sunlight, it grows up- currants go particularly well with savory meat dishes.
right to 5 ft. (1.5m). In shady regions, it trails across These fruits are generally ready for harvest in July-Au-
the ground. The plant’s stems lack prickles. gust, once they turn bright red. To make redcurrant
FLOWER AND FRUIT: The pale pink or greenish flow- jellies and sauces, gather the currants while they are
ers are 5-lobed, saucer-shaped and 0.25 inches (0.6cm) slightly under-ripe and highest in natural pectin. For
across. They are borne in clusters of 6-15, arising in the sweet desserts, wait until they are mature before you
leaf axils. The flower’s center, which contains the stub- pick them. Simply snip the clusters from the branches,
by petals, is dark pink. Fleshy scarlet berries ripen in store them in the fridge, and be sure to eat or preserve
the summer. They are 0.25-0.5 inches (0.6-1.3 cm) wide your harvest within a few days. Dry or freeze any sur-
and hold many tiny seeds. plus.
LEAF: Leaves are simple, alternate, and coarsely VENISON REDCURRANT STEW: Ingredients: but-
toothed. With their 3-5 primary lobes, they resem- ter, 2 lbs. (900g) cubed venison, 3 strips of chopped
ble maple foliage. Leaf blades are 1.5-2.5 inches (4- bacon, 2 chopped onions, 4 oz. (113g) mushrooms, 2
6.3cm) long and 2-4 inches (5-10cm) wide, often with chopped red peppers, 6 oz. (170g) currants. 2 ½ tbsp.
heart-shaped bases. Soft white hairs line the under- flour, 2 tbsp. brown sugar, 2 bay leaves, 1 pinch each of
sides. mace, allspice, salt, pepper, ½ pint ale, water. Melt but-
ter in a skillet. Sear venison over high heat. Remove
EDIBLE PARTS: fruit
venison and cook bacon until crisp. Next, cook onions
KEY MEDICINAL USES: A wash for sore eyes can be
and mushrooms until soft. In a pot combine all veg-
made from the plant’s decocted stems. The root and
etables with meat and currants. Sprinkle with flour,
stem decocted together have been used to dissolve
sugar, and seasoning. Mix well. Add ale and enough
kidney stones.
water to cover ingredients. Cook until tender.
HOW TO HARVEST AND EAT: Redcurrants are edible
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