Blackcurrant Merveille De Gironde - Ribes nigrum

The 'Merveille de Gironde' Blackcurrant is a late variety that produces long clusters composed of large black berries with delicious, sweet, and tangy flesh. This variety, thanks to its late flowering, is recommended in all regions of continental Europe. The Ribes nigrum 'Merveille de Gironde' is an easy-to-grow variety in non-scorching sun, in well-drained soil, even poor soil. This variety is resistant to diseases. The presence of other varieties of Blackcurrants nearby will allow for staggered harvests and increase productivity through better pollination. Planting from October to March for a harvest around August.

Blackcurrants belong to the Grossulariaceae family, like Redcurrants and Gooseberries, from which they are distinguished by their black fruits. Their origins in temperate regions from Northern Europe to Asia give the Blackcurrant a very good resistance to cold. Cultivated since the 16th century, the Blackcurrant grows spontaneously in the cool woods of northeastern Europe. Historically, it has been mainly used as a medicinal plant, with apothecaries and healers attributing powerful virtues to it. It is a bushy shrub, non-thorny, with a clumping habit of slightly stiff, sparsely branched twigs, with soft wood and abundant pith. This very hardy bush will reach 1.30 m (4ft) in all directions. The foliage is deciduous, composed of palmate, lobed medium green leaves. It is particularly aromatic and pleasantly fragrant when crushed. Leaves, fruits, and buds are intensely fragrant, due to the presence of glands containing essential oils, used in perfumery.

Flowering occurs in spring, in the form of clusters of small, inconspicuous greenish to brownish flowers, intensely visited by bees. Fruit production mainly occurs on two- and three-year-old branches and becomes rarer on branches of 4 years and older. The bush then becomes covered with numerous clusters of round, black berries filled with juicy flesh containing small seeds. The 'Merveille de Gironde' Blackcurrant is a vigorous and self-sterile variety, meaning it requires the presence of another variety of Blackcurrant nearby, such as 'Noire de Bourgogne', 'Andega', or 'Blackdown', for good fruiting and abundant production. Picking, staggered as the fruits ripen, is simplified due to the size of the berries. Indeed, it produces long clusters of large black fruits with fragrant and juicy flesh and a sweet flavour with a slight acidity. The production of a Blackcurrant is about 3 to 5 kg of fruit per plant depending on the age and growing conditions of the plant. All varieties of Blackcurrants are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, minerals, trace elements, as well as potassium, calcium, and phosphorus, making them real assets for health. Moreover, they are among the least energetic small fruits (50 kcal per 100 g).

The berries of the ''Merveille de Gironde' Blackcurrant, with their fragrant and sweet flesh and a unique flavor with a slight acidity, are exquisite when eaten fresh to benefit from all the nutritional benefits of the fruit. Excellent in jellies or jams, they can also be used to garnish pies and make cakes. They are perfect for making sorbets, ice creams, or milkshakes. The flavour of the fruits adds a real plus when served with seasonal fruit salads, red meats, or as a small touch in salads. Juice or syrup can also be made, not to mention the traditional blackcurrant liqueur, which adds flavor to Kir, cocktails, and Sangria.

In summer, the Blackcurrant is very decorative with the colour of its long clusters of black berries that are enjoyed while picking. In the garden, it finds its place alongside Redcurrants, Raspberries, or other varieties of small fruits to form a small edible hedge. It can be grown in a pot, but be careful to choose a container at least 40 cm (16in) tall and to be diligent in watering with non-limestone water.