Currants are one of the most common berry crops in summer cottages. And in order for the fruits to remain tasty for as long as possible, you need to figure out when to pick blackcurrants and how to accurately determine their ripeness. Depending on the region of growth, the timing of harvesting ripe berries may vary.
When to pick currants depending on the growing region (table)
Depending on the region of growth, the crop ripens at different times. In warm climates, berries ripen faster. During the cold period, fruiting shifts closer to autumn.
Black
Black currants are distinguished by the fact that they ripen unevenly in different regions.
| Regions of Siberia | In northern latitudes, the berry ripens later and begins to bear fruit late due to the unfavorable climate. The ripening of the crop begins on the 45th day after the bushes begin to bear fruit. In the northern regions, ripening dates occur in early August.
|
| Volga and Central regions | In the central regions, the fruits ripen closer to mid-July. If the summer turned out to be cold, then closer to the end of July. And if it’s warm, the first ripe berries may appear at the end of June
|
| Southern regions | In the southern regions, the shrub ripens earliest. It also begins to bear fruit early. Harvest in warm latitudes occurs at the end of June
|
In some cases, harvesting may take several weeks. Also, the timing of fruit ripening depends on the variety. Early varieties ripen towards mid-June. Mid-early - at the end of June. The ripening period for late varieties is August.
Red
Red-fruited berries are distinguished by very small berries, so they are most often collected together with twigs.
| Northern regions | In the north, red currants ripen towards the beginning of August
|
| Volga and Central regions | In the Central regions and the Volga region, where the weather can be both warm and cold, in summer the fruiting period occurs around mid-July. Early varieties can ripen in mid-June
|
| Southern regions | In the south, where warm weather comes very early, fruiting begins in the first ten days of June and continues until July
|
Just as in the case of chokeberry, the ripening period depends on the variety. Most summer residents claim that red-fruited varieties ripen two weeks earlier than black ones.
White
| Northern regions | In northern latitudes, the ripening of white-fruited varieties coincides with red-fruited ones and occurs at the beginning of August
|
| Volga and Central regions | White currants ripen closer to the second half of June - early July
|
| Southern regions | In the south, white varieties ripen in mid-June. Early varieties - in early June. Late varieties ripen closer to mid-July
|
The red and white varieties ripen at almost the same time due to the thin skin of both varieties.
Determining the ripeness of the berry
The timing of harvest should be determined based on the ripeness of the fruit.
Ripeness can be determined by a number of signs:
- The berries have become a rich purple or red hue (depending on the variety).
- The fruits are easily separated from the stalk.
- The branch on which the berries grow turns brown instead of green.
- It tastes sweet.
- The fruits begin to fall off the bush.
Ripeness is also determined by the variety and region of growth of the bushes.
Berry that has reached mechanical ripeness cannot be stored for a long time. In the refrigerator, such fruits remain fresh for no more than 1 week. Red and white currants are stored for about 1 month at a temperature of +1 degree.
How to pick currants correctly
Harvesting currants is a long and labor-intensive process. The berries on the bushes grow small. Especially in red varieties. Collecting red currants with or without branches makes no fundamental difference. White and black varieties are harvested separately with berries.For lazy summer residents, there is a relatively quick way to harvest.
To harvest correctly, you need to know in advance the favorable time for harvesting. The berries should be picked early in the morning, when the dew has dried from the bushes. Or in the evening, after sunset. If you pick the fruits in hot weather, they will quickly disappear.
Ways to quickly and easily pick berries
Before you start collecting fruits, you should prepare a basket or bucket. Black currants are usually picked in parts, since they ripen unevenly. Red and white varieties are harvested immediately after reaching technical maturity. Due to their thin skin, they spoil quickly.
How to quickly pick blackcurrants from bushes:
- Spread burlap or cloth under the bushes to cover all the soil next to the plant.
- When harvesting fruits, they should be picked so that they fall on the bedcloth.
- Then collect the bedcloth and pour the harvest into a bucket.
You can also use this method if the currant plantings are very large. Although this method is not the fastest and is only suitable for blackcurrants. But you won’t have to carry a bucket with you every time. There are no other ways to collect fruits quickly.
Is it worth picking unripe currants from the bush?
It is not recommended to collect unripe currants. Such fruits have not yet accumulated nutrients in their composition. They are not suitable for fresh consumption. And for people with a weak stomach, it can cause indigestion and intestinal problems. It is better to wait until the berries reach technical maturity. When unripe, they are unsuitable for freezing and drying.
Unripe currants can be harvested if you want to keep them fresh for as long as possible. Having collected unripe currants, they are stored in the refrigerator.In a few weeks it will “reach” and reach technical maturity.
Can crops be harvested in or after rain?
You can pick currants at any time of the day and in any weather. But if you want to keep the berries fresh after harvesting for as long as possible, harvesting is carried out in dry, sunny weather. If you pick the fruits in rainy weather, they will not last long.
Until the rain comes, the collected currants will be well stored. But after the rain has passed, it is better to wait a few days for the water to dry.
How to sort and store fruits
After harvesting, the fruits need to be sorted. This will allow you to immediately throw out damaged berries. If there is mold on the fruits and such berries are left along with the entire harvest, it will quickly spread to healthy fruits.
Berries should be sorted immediately after picking from the bushes. If you leave them even for a few days, the currants will begin to ferment. After the berries have been sorted, they are washed and laid out to dry.
You can store the collected berries in various ways. The easiest way is to freeze them in the freezer. Place the fruits in plastic bags and put them in the freezer.
Another way is to grind it with sugar. Grind the washed berries in a blender and add sugar to taste. Transfer to jars and refrigerate.
The fruits can be used to make compotes and jam for the winter, as well as dry them. Canned currants are stored in the cellar or refrigerator. Dried berries are transferred to glass jars or fabric bags. Keep away from sunlight.
