How to determine the ripeness of black currants and when they ripen

Many people wonder when exactly blackcurrants ripen. This process is influenced by many factors, including the region's climate and the variety. Experts distinguish three categories of varieties: early-ripening, mid-season, and late-ripening. Depending on these categories, the harvest can be from early summer until fall. Climate is also a significant factor. In colder regions, currants ripen later.

Currant ripening times depending on the variety

Today, there are a large number of currant varieties. Based on their ripening period, they are conventionally divided into several categories: early, mid-season, and late.

When choosing a specific variety, consider the region's climate. Any currant variety is ideal for warmer regions. In colder regions, early varieties are best.

Early

Varieties with this fruiting period should be planted in May. The harvest can be harvested approximately a month later—in late June or early July. This crop is well suited for regions with cold climates.

Mid-season varieties

This type of currant ripens in midsummer. It bears fruit for about a month. Therefore, a full harvest can only be obtained by August.

Late cultures

Late-ripening berries can be harvested in August or September. This can be done in any month, before frost sets in. This type of plant is best planted in warm climates. This will ensure the entire harvest is harvested during the warm season.

How to determine the ripeness of a berry

To determine the ripeness of berries, it's best to rely on their visual characteristics. As the fruit ripens, the skin's color changes. It's recommended to evaluate the ripeness of currants based on the variety.

If external signs make it impossible to assess the ripeness of the berries, it is recommended to pick a few and taste them. Ripe fruits have a sweet and sour taste.

In red currants

You can tell when red currants are ripe by the color of the skin. It should be bright red. Ripe berries also become firmer and larger.

In black-fruited varieties

After flowering, blackcurrants take 45 days to ripen. The berries ripen gradually, so they must be picked over several days. To determine whether the berries are ripe, pay attention to the color of the skin.

A clear sign of ripeness is the black skin. However, it's recommended to pick these berries within two days, as the skin may be unripe. However, delaying harvesting is not recommended. After some time, the ripe fruits will begin to fall off.

In white-fruited varieties

White varieties usually ripen in July. To determine whether currants are ripe, pay attention to the color of the skin. Other signs can also help determine ripeness.

The fruits should separate easily from the stem. The branch on which the berries are located turns brown rather than green. It should taste sweet. When ripe, the fruits begin to fall from the bush.

How does the growing region affect the ripening time of the crop?

The timing depends on the region's climate and weather. This process is also influenced by soil type, site illumination, and other factors.

When do currants ripen in Siberia and the Urals?

Early- or mid-season ripening varieties are suitable for Siberia. They should be resistant to low temperatures. The bulk of the harvest is recommended to be harvested in late June.

In the Urals, it's best to plant varieties that yield in mid-summer. Even if the harvest takes a long time, suitable varieties will be able to withstand the first frosts and sudden drops in temperature.

In the Leningrad region

In this region, it's recommended to plant currants in the spring. When choosing a variety, it's worth choosing several varieties with different ripening times. Since currants ripen throughout the summer, you can harvest them in July and August.

In the central part of Russia and the Moscow region

These regions require early varieties. Harvesting should begin in late June or early July. By following the plant care recommendations, you'll be able to harvest fruit well before the frost sets in.

Collection time in the Moscow region

In this region, currants ripen in July or early August. The berries ripen gradually. Therefore, it is recommended to harvest several times. Depending on the air temperature, the timing may shift slightly. In a hot summer, the harvest will be earlier.

Ways to harvest quickly and easily

Currant harvesting is recommended in dry weather. This is a labor-intensive process that requires patience. It's important to begin harvesting promptly, as overripe fruits may fall off and lose their marketable appearance.

Often, these berries crack and become softer. The harvest cannot be stored for long. It is recommended to begin picking berries in the morning, after the dew has dried. This can also be done in the afternoon.

Before harvesting, prepare special containers. They should be dry and clean. Experts advise against picking fruit after rain, as this will negatively impact its shelf life.

Blackcurrants are picked with or without the stems. This variety is characterized by a fairly thick skin. Red and white currants, however, are picked with their stems attached. Otherwise, there's a high risk of damaging the delicate skin.

Harvesting should be done in several stages. The berries ripen best in clear, sunny weather. However, this process is uneven.

It is not recommended to pick unripe fruits.

How to sort and store fruits

Fresh currants can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two weeks after picking. This will preserve their flavor and nutritional value. If you plan to store them in the refrigerator, it's not recommended to wash them. This should be done before using.

To enlarge shelf life of red or black currants, it should be placed in tight bags and placed in a refrigerator compartment with a temperature of 0 degrees.

To extend the shelf life of the berries, you can place them in the freezer. However, it's best to wash, sort, and dry them first. Then, it's recommended to package the currants in bags and place them in the freezer.

The optimal temperature is -2 degrees Celsius. Humidity should be maintained at 85-95%. This method preserves the currants' flavor while destroying their vitamins.

Another method for preserving berries is making jam or compote. This preserves some of the fruit's nutritional value. You can also puree the berries with sugar. To do this, use 1 kilogram of sugar per 1 kilogram of berries.

Currant ripening times vary significantly depending on the variety and the region's climate. Proper harvesting and storage methods are crucial.