Preparing Fresh Blackcurrants and Redcurrants For The Freezer. To prepare your black and redcurrants for the freezer give them a wash to remove any bugs or dirt that may be on them. There’s no need to top and tail them – that’s down to personal preference.
How do I prepare blackcurrants for freezing?
Weigh the berries and note the weight. Rinse in cold water and dry completely. Line a baking tray with baking parchment and arrange the berries on top in a single layer. Freeze until the berries are solid.
How do you wash blackcurrants before freezing?
Rinse them under cool water to remove any insects or debris. Spread them on a dish towel to dry off for a few minutes. If you won’t get around to de-stemming the fruits for more than a few hours, simply put the whole clusters of currants into freezer bags or containers.
Do you have to top and tail blackcurrants?
If you have grown your blackcurrants yourself you will need to remove the tails (stalks) and wash your currants. Some people also prefer to remove the tops as well. It does take ages (and I mean ages) so you may prefer not to do this. Make sure you have removed all debris, bugs or leaves from the currants.
Can you freeze blackcurrants raw?
Yes, you can freeze blackcurrants for up to 6 months. Spread blackcurrants out onto a baking tray, freeze for a few hours before bagging them up and storing them in the freezer for the longer term.
Should you wash blackberries before freezing?
Frozen blackberries 101:
Yes, you definitely want to wash your blackberries before freezing them. Do I need to thaw my blackberries before using them? This really depends on what you’re using them for. Smoothies do not require blueberries to be thawed, and you can put them straight in frozen.
Can you freeze blackcurrants before making jam?
Frozen blackcurrants are perfect for jam, not only do they provide a delicious flavour, but as we freeze our blackcurrants as soon as they have been harvested, during the peak of their short season, you can make high-quality jam at any time of the year.
How do I prepare blackcurrants?
To prepare: To remove the berries from the stalks, hold each stalk at the top with the berries at the bottom and run a fork down each one. The berries should come away easily, without being damaged. To cook: To stew blackcurrants add a little water and 50g sugar per 450g of fruit, simmer gently until just tender.
Should I wash gooseberries before freezing?
To freeze gooseberries, give them a wash then spread out onto a baking tray to freeze them. Once frozen solid, portion out into good-quality freezer bags.
When should blackcurrant bushes be pruned?
winter
Blackcurrants crop best on strong young growth made the previous year, so they are usually grown as a multi-stemmed bush, with stems sprouting from the base. To encourage new stems, they need to be pruned annually in winter.
How do you store blackcurrants UK?
Always harvest blackcurrants on dry days to avoid fungi developing quickly which will spoil the fruits. Store in the fridge and remove any damaged fruits (eat them straight away!). The fruits should keep in the fridge for around four days.
What to do with blackcurrants after picking?
Blackcurrants freeze really well, so if you manage to get hold of more than you need, you can just pop them into the freezer. Place in a sealed bag or container and freeze for up to six months. Unlike many berries, they also store well in the fridge and should be good to go for five or six days after picking.
How long can you keep black currants in the freezer?
Properly stored, dried currants will maintain best quality for about 12 to 18 months, but will remain safe beyond that time. The freezer time shown is for best quality only – dried currants that have been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
Can I use frozen blackcurrants for jam?
Frozen blackcurrants are perfect for jam. Just put them in the pan with the water the same as fresh blackcurrants. What is this? Blackcurrants freeze really well.
Are frozen blackcurrants good for you?
Black currants are high in antioxidants, including vitamin C. Along with the anthocyanins in black currants, these antioxidants can help to give your immune system a boost, allowing your body to fight infection and viruses more effectively. Black currants are rich in an omega-6 fatty acid called gamma-linoleic acid.
How do you dry blackcurrants?
Place currants in a single layer on your dehydrator trays; I like to keep some space between the berries so be sure to use two trays if needed. Set your dehydrator to the fruit and berry setting (typically around 115 degrees fahrenheit, but check instructions on your dehydrator for suggestions).
What can you do with blackcurrant pulp?
Mix pulp into baked goods like muffins, cakes, bread, dehydrated or baked cookies, and granola bars.
Can you bottle blackcurrants?
It’s important that jars are in perfect condition with no chips or ill-fitting lids. If they aren’t, they won’t be air-tight and contents will spoil and may prove a health risk! At least 500g freshly picked blackcurrants. Use only perfect fruit – no bruised, over-ripe berries need apply!
What is the best way to freeze blackberries?
How to Freeze Blackberries
- Wash berries in cold water. Use a colander or submerge the berries in a bowl of cool water.
- Let the berries dry.
- Arrange the dry berries on a baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer.
- Transfer the frozen blackberries to freezer bags.
Can you freeze blackberries straight from the bush?
Yes, you can freeze blackberries for up to 6 months. To freeze fresh blackberries, wash them and freeze them on a baking tray before bagging up and storing them in the freezer.
When should you not eat blackberries?
September 29
But the rule against eating blackberries after September 29 comes not from seasonality but from the story of the Archangel Michael, for whom the day is named. Michael, the greatest of all angels, defeated the angel Lucifer in a huge battle and banished him from heaven, the lore goes.