Redcurrant

Redcurrants grow best in well drained soil and fed with rotted manure or leaf mould.

Space bushes 5 feet / 1.5 metres apart

Redcurrants are rich in vitamin C, and a useful source of soluble fibre and contains modest amount of iron, potassium and copper.

Cooking

Ideal for fruit pies, summer puddings and jam making.

Redcurrant Jelly

Ingredients

2 lb (900 g) redcurrants

2 lb (900 g) sugar

Method

Just place the washed fruit in a pan, bring slowly to the boil then simmer and stir, pressing the redcurrants to break down the fruit and release the juices. When the fruit is cooked (about 30 minutes), add the sugar, stir until absolutely dissolved, then bring the mixture up to a rapid boil, and boil for 10 minutes.

Then tip the whole lot into the sieve and let it drip through. or press to extract as much as possible. Then pour the jelly into the jars, which have been washed, dried and heated in a moderate oven for 5 minutes, cover with waxed discs and seal while still hot.

Propagation

Redcurrants can be easily propagated from cuttings 8-12 inch / 20-30 cm long and inserted up to 6 inch / 15 cm in a trench containing a layer of sand in the base.

Pests

Big bug mite, greenfly, spider mite, leaf spot, American mildew, grey mould.