Other Berries

Currants

The red currant is a member of the gooseberry family, native to parts of western Europe and northern Italy. In Scandinavia currants are often used in fruit soups and summer puddings, and in Germany they are also used in combination with custard or meringue as a filling for tarts. The first red currant recipes came to America with immigrants from Scotland, England, Wales and France for such use in such recipes as Cumberland sauce, Summer Pudding, and the famous French preserve, Bar de Luc. Recently these little red berries have made a comeback as chefs across the country have realized that currants not only add a new flavor and texture to their dishes, but nutritional value as well.

Currants are a fantastic source of anthocyanins, which are thought to help relieve inflammation. The antioxidants in currants are thought to help promote healthy aging and neurological functions. According to a recent study, antioxidants found in these wholesome little berries may help protect your family against Alzheimer's disease.

Gooseberries

Early pagan cultures believed that fairies sought shelter from danger behind the prickly bushes and hence gooseberries became known as 'fayberries.' Gooseberry juice, which is quite high in vitamin C, was also used as a medicine in the treatment of fevers, and in the sixteenth century were recommended to treat plague victims.

Gooseberries are a good source of fiber and are high in vitamin C. These berries also contain bioflavonoids and have beneficial antioxidant properties that make for a healthy addition to your diet.