Monday, August 24, 2009

Ingredient of the Day:Red Currant

Have you ever gone through the produce department in your local market and asked yourself, “What are those little red berries? They’re not raspberries.” Well chances are that you are looking at red currant berries. With its sweet tart flavor and delicate flesh, red currant proves that big things do in fact come in small packages.

These beautiful little bright red delights are often found in shrubs growing up to 2 meters tall, with five lobed leaves arranged spirally on the stems. Providing a good source of vitamins such as vitamins C and B1 and minerals rich in iron, phosphorus, potassium, fiber, cooper, and magnanese. Not only do these taste good, but are also good for you and happen to have medicinal uses as well. Red currants work as a great laxative for upset stomach but as a jelly, it also works as a great antiseptic for burns.