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Currants Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to currants
Did you know there are a variety of raisins to choose from and enjoy? Currants are raisins made from the grape variety Corinth. They are basically small raisins that are smaller than dried grapes and can be of colors white, black, pink, or red depending on the Corinth type used. True currants grow in shrubs and are small berries that resemble more gooseberries than grapes.
Currants are part of the Ribes family of shrubs that grow well in northern climates with colder winters and not too hot summers. They are well-known in Europe and Germany, Denmark, United Kingdom, and the Netherlands have a lot of these available. In the United States, many varieties are native to the country. The fresh berries are not the ones which are used to sell in the stores. Currants are a grape variety that is very similar to raisins.
The flavor profile of currants is that of a bright acidic flavor, with the berries being sweet. When eaten fresh off the shrub, their flavor is delicious. If you can buy fresh, these can be found at farmers' markets or specialty stores. Not only can they be eaten fresh, but currants can also be enjoyed dried or preserved, which gives them other distinct flavors. Since these are smaller than regular raisins, they have a more intense flavor with a good amount of tannins.
The health benefits of currants include being a great source of fiber which is important for digestion. They also have a high level of manganese which is important for the central nervous system, and has a good amount of copper which helps promote iron absorption. They also have plenty of potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Currants, like regular raisins, provide a low amount of calories and antioxidants. In traditional medicine, there's some evidence that suggests they have anti-inflammatory properties.
About currants
Currants are one of the oldest known raisins, with a written record dating back to 75 AD by the Roman Pliny the Elder. The grapes used to make a dried currant were originally cultivated in southern Greece, on the island of Zante, which is where the Zante currant name comes from. The other names for currant include Corinth raisins and Zante currants. The Black Corinth grape was first introduced in the U.S. back in 1854 in the California area. Nowadays, the major producers of the grape include the U.S., Greece, South Africa, and Australia.Â
Dried fruits are traditionally used in Irish and English cakes and puddings. They're used in mince pies, the Christmas cake and pudding, and even in curries and chutneys. They are also used in Welsh cakes, fruitcakes, currant buns, and Eccles cakes, to name a few desserts. Mixed dried fruit packages are also sold with currants.
When it comes to dry fruit, it can be confusing to distinguish the raisin from a currant, and although they have similarities, they also have differences that will help distinguish them. Raisins are made from Moscatel grapes and can soak up flavors unlike currants so they are used for alcohol recipes and other dishes.Â
If you're thinking of enjoying some currants as a snack or to include in a baking recipe, head to the Instacart app, where you can add them to your cart. Complete your purchase, and an Instacart shopper will do the shopping for you. Usually, you will receive your delivery within the same day and in the process save some money and time!
How to pick out currants
Fresh currants are usually bought on stem from the markets. Make sure the fruits are shiny and bright, and look out for them to be in season from late spring to early summer. In the grocery stores, you can find currants that have not been frozen or preserved in the fruit and vegetable areas. Since their fresh season is short, it can make them difficult to find.Â
Fresh currants are not usually available in the United States and are hard to come by. If you're able to get your hands on some fresh currants, you can preserve them by loosely wrapping them or keeping them chilled. Don't wash them ahead of eating as the extra moisture can cause mold to occur. You can also freeze the currants like any other berry for up to six months. Currants are usually bought already preserved just like raisins and are made from the Black Corinth grape variety.
Currants Near Me
Buy your favorite Currants online with Instacart. Order Red Currants, White Currants, Black Currants, and more from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.
FAQs about currants
Currants can be used like blueberries or raspberries in dessert recipes like pies and tarts, along with puddings and sorbets. Add them in salads or eat them as is.
Currants are usually made into a sauce to pair with venison or lamb. Since they naturally have acidity and pectin, they make good jellies and sauces.