Currants are actually a completely separate fruit from grapes. There are redcurrants, blackcurrants and whitecurrants. They grow on large bushes, in sprays of tiny fruits, and are removed from the stalks with a fork. The botanical name is “Ribes” , giving the name to Ribena, a popular fruit syrup in Northern Europe. Sadly currants were banned from the US for many years, due to their carrying of white pine rust, which can devastate crops. Happily a fungicide is now available for this, but it will be some years yet before they become familiar in the US. Blackcurrants are one of the most popular fruits in Ireland and the UK, due to their intense flavor and high vitamin C content. Dried currants are still difficult to find in the US, not to mention expensive, but they’re a welcome addition to this recipe and make the taste all the more authentic.

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