Ben Sarek Black Currant

Ribes nigrum 'Ben Sarek'

BLACK CURRANTS ARE PROHIBITED TO DE, ME, NC, NJ, WV, VA, MA, NH & RI. Rust resistant varieties may be shipped to OH & MI .

The Scottish Crop Research Institute has created this frost-resistant cultivar for the backyard grower. It is consistently so loaded with large, flavorful shiny fruit that branches may need support and can be shaken to harvest the crop. It ripens a week before Hilltop Baldwin.

The mildew-resistant and midge-resistant bush is easily maintained at 3' tall with 3'-4' spacing, and it's also considered reliably resistant to white pine blister rust. Bushes are 1 year old. Partially self fertile; produces highest yields with another variety of R. nigrum for cross-pollination. Cold hardy to USDA zone 3 (-40F).

Black currants have outstanding health benefits, including high Vitamin C content, up to 5 times that of oranges by weight. They have twice the potassium of bananas and twice the antioxidants of blueberries. The antioxidants, essential fatty acids and potassium in black currants have anti- inflammatory impact, reducing the effects of arthritis. Its antioxidant action has been shown to help prevent cancer. The strong flavor of Black Currants is highly prized in Europe, even fresh, but most Americans prefer them made into jam, syrup or dried as raisins.

Click here to read our Currant Growing Guide