52 WEEKS::Northern Black Currant

Though the northern black current is the prettiest little flower, it is also known as skunk currant because the scent is rather disagreeable.  Its fruit, black speckled with resin dots, is bitter but it is an excellent addition to the making of jams and jellies because of its high pectin content (used in thickening).

Currants come in a variety of colours - black, red, pink (sweeter though less nutritional) - and are high in vitamin C, anti-oxidants (similar to cranberries and chokecherries), iron and are believed to have potential benefits against cancer, aging, inflammation and neurological diseases.