Black currant

Blackcurrant was originally a wild shrub. Until now, in this form, it is found in various parts of the globe: in North America, Siberia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China, as well as in some areas of Europe.

Throughout its long history, currants are considered "Russian" berries. Even its name traces a Slavic root derived from the word "smerdit, " which originally meant "smells strongly and spicy. " References to currants are found in the oldest monastery books, previously currants were grown, as a rule, in gardens at monasteries. Currently, currants can be found on almost every garden plot. It is extremely common in our country and has long been loved by our compatriots.

Blackcurrant benefits

Love for currants is associated not only with its unpretentiousness and the minimum cost of growing it. It also lies in the beneficial properties of blackcurrant. And they are truly unique. Blackcurrant is a real record holder for the content of vitamin C. Of course, it is most useful to consume currants in fresh form, but the uniqueness of this berry is also in the fact that during processing the benefits of blackcurrants practically do not weaken.

The use of currants as an ingredient in various confections, jelly, jam, syrups, jelly, compotes, juices is very popular. Also quite often wines and liqueurs are infused on currants. Currants in pies and desserts are good. The calorie content of blackcurrants is only 44 kcal. per 100 gr.

Not only blackcurrant berries are useful, but also its leaves. They are used as a spice in marinades for vegetables and mushrooms. Salads are made from young leaves that are useful for diabetics, they have the ability to reduce blood sugar levels. They are added to tea, which, thanks to these leaves, acquires a unique taste and aroma.

As for the health benefits of blackcurrants, it is impossible not to mention that currants are often recommended for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, for peptic ulcers. Blackcurrant juice effectively helps with throat inflammation, with various types of cough. Traditional medicine actively uses decoctions from blackcurrant leaves to treat kidney and gallbladder diseases. In cosmetology, blackcurrants have also found application. Many claim that blackcurrant decoctions help to get rid of various skin diseases, for example, acne.

Blackcurrant harms

The harm of blackcurrants only occurs in one case if you have increased blood clotting. In this case, it is better to refuse to use currants.