4 blackcurrant recipes

When are blackcurrants in season?

Blackcurrants have a very short season: starting in late July and usually ending by the end of the month, with some later varieties extending into early August.

Why we love blackcurrants

Tart, zingy blackcurrants make a brief summer appearance and we love making the most of them whilst they're available. The tart, sour flavour makes a brilliant pairing with sweet flavours and creamy dairy to mellow it out – we've swirled a vibrant blackcurrant compote into ice cream and made a jelly topped with custard. Use them where you may often use blackberries: add a handful to crumbles, swirl into cheesecakes, make a vibrant sorbet or preserve into jam to enjoy all year round.

Health benefits of blackcurrants

Blackcurrants are an excellent source of vitamin C: just one 80g serving (which makes 1 of your five a day) provides 200% of your daily vitamin C needs.

Best blackcurrant recipes

Blackcurrant cordial

For a super simple and summery cordial, you can’t go wrong with blackcurrant. Serve over plenty of ice or use to make a fruity mojito cocktail.

If you enjoy making homemade cordial, try our sweet and summery strawberry cordial recipe next.

Blackcurrant jelly

Using blackcurrants for jelly means you can give them a basic prep without worrying about the fiddly stalks as you’ll only be using the juice. For a creamy finish, serve with a dollop of custard on top. See more jelly recipes.

Blackcurrant ice cream

A delicious weekend treat and good for garden gluts too, check out this no-churn homemade ice cream with blackcurrant sauce. We've got over 30 more ice cream recipes to try all summer long.

Pigeon breasts with blackcurrant sauce

Try Valentine Warner's pigeon breasts with a juicy blackcurrant sauce for an impressive dinner for two.