The red flowering currant, Ribes sanguineum, is an attractive ornamental shrub native to western North America. It is admired for its clusters of pink to deep red flowers that emerge in early spring. This deciduous shrub typically grows 5 to 12 feet tall and wide, with palmately lobed leaves that often have a strong, resinous scent when crushed. While primarily known for its ornamental value, Ribes sanguineum also offers various edible parts, making it a plant of interest for both gardeners and foragers.
Edible Parts, Culinary Uses, and Harvesting
The berries, flowers, and young leaves of the red flowering currant are all considered edible. The flowers, appearing from March to May, are particularly prized for their sweet, resinous, and sometimes herbaceous flavor, with hints of fruit. These vibrant blossoms can be used as garnishes in salads, infused into syrups or cordial, or even incorporated into beverages like infused gin or vodka.
Young leaves, available in spring, share a fruity flavor similar to blackcurrants and can be added to salads or brewed into teas. Both flowers and young leaves can be dried for later use, though some flavor may be lost in the process. The berries ripen to a dark purple or blue-black color with a waxy bloom in late July and August.
While edible, the berries generally have a tart or bland flavor, often with an astringent aftertaste and numerous seeds. They are best utilized in cooked applications such as jams, jellies, pies, sauces, or syrups, where their tartness can be balanced with sugar. Drying the berries into “currant raisins” can also enhance their sweetness. Harvesting berries is best when they are plump and just beginning to soften, typically in late summer to early fall.
Identification and Safety Precautions
Accurate identification of Ribes sanguineum is important before consumption. The shrub is characterized by its early spring display of hanging clusters of 5 to 30 flowers, each with five petals ranging from pink to deep red. Its leaves are deciduous, palmately lobed with three to five lobes, and often feel finely hairy on the underside. The mature berries are small, dark purple to blue-black, oval-shaped, and often covered with a thin, waxy film.
While generally safe to consume, unripe or large quantities of ripe berries can cause mild nausea or vomiting. It is important to distinguish it from other Ribes species; however, most currants and gooseberries are edible, so confusion within the genus is generally not dangerous. Foraging safety guidelines include avoiding plants growing in areas that may have been sprayed with pesticides or are near contaminated sites, such as roadsides or industrial zones.