Black Currant Juice

Black currant is a small fruit growing plant which belongs to the flowering family of ribes berry. Black currant plants grow up to 2 meters in height. The leaves broad and long and grow up to 5 cm. Black currants are shiny, deep purple in color and grown in summer season. They have a tangy taste but black currants are comparatively sweeter than their lesser known cousin red currant, which is extensively used in jams. The black currant fruit can be included in the diet. The largest producer of the black currant fruit is United Kingdom. During the World War 2, fruits rich in vitamin C were not enough in United Kingdom. Since the climate of United Kingdom suited the growth of black currants, the British government encouraged the cultivation of black currants on a larger scale.

Black currant juice is a great alternative to cranberry juice. It is rich in antioxidants, medicinal properties and is ideal for an upset stomach.

Nutritional Benefits of Black Currant Juice

Berries are often referred as super berries, because of the high antioxidant levels found in them. Black currant is a favorite berry among people because of the high level of vitamins, fiber and other benefits found in it.

• The juice has been found beneficial to humans in a number of ways. Research says that it contains twice the amount of antioxidants found in blueberries, 4 times the amount of vitamin C found in oranges and twice the amount of potassium found in bananas. Doctors from New Zealand and Sweden also claim that consumption of black currant juice controls blood pressure, improves skin conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis and is beneficial for healthy eyesight.
• Some websites also claim that the content of vitamin C found in this juice is higher than any other cultivated fruit or vegetable.
• University research teams also speak volumes on black currant juice benefits. Research teams all across the globe are studying the compounds found in purple black currants for treatments of many fatal diseases like dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
• If consumed on a regular basis, it improves kidney function, helps in treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Nutritionists also say it enhances the effects of regular exercise.
• Black currant juice is a natural remedy for treatment of diarrhea and whooping cough.

Black Currant Juice Recipe

• Clean the black currants by dumping them in a sink full of cold water. Also wash them under running water and pour them into a large pan.
• Don't forget to detach the stems and leaves.
• Heat the pan on low heat. Don't add water. The black currants are wet enough from the rinsing. On low heat, keep stirring the currants occasionally until the currants start releasing their juice.
• Pour the pulp of black currants in to a ricer. With the help of a pestle, smash the skins to get the rest of the juice out. As the pan of the ricer fills up, pour the juice from the pan to another bowl.

Black Currant Juice Cocktail

I am a big lover of cocktails. Mixing alcohol with a number of liquids makes an interesting and refreshing drink. Check out the recipe of a famous cocktail made with black currant juice.

Red Moon Cocktail
Ingredients

• 1 oz Becherovka
• 5 oz black currant juice
• 1 ½ oz club soda

Preparation

Take a highball glass and fill it up with ice. Add club soda, becherovka and black currant juice. Stir well and serve.

Black currant juice is an all rounder juice, not only because of its great taste, but also because it is a natural medicine. I insist to all my readers to include black currant juice in their diets and reap it's benefits.