The redcurrant (or red currant), Ribes rubrum, is a member of the genus Ribes in the gooseberry family Grossulariaceae, native to parts of western Europe (Belgium, France, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Netherlands, northern Italy, northern Spain, Portugal and Poland). It is a deciduous shrub normally growing to 1-1.5 m tall, occasionally 2 m, with five-lobed leaves arranged spirally on the stems. The flowers are inconspicuous yellow-green, in pendulous 4–8 cm racemes, maturing into bright red translucent edible berries about 8–12 mm diameter, with 3-10 berries on each raceme. An established bush can produce 3-4 kilos of berries from mid to late summer.
Clutivation
There are several other similar species native in Europe, Asia and North America, also with edible fruit, though usually considered to have an inferior flavour. These include Ribes spicatum (northern Europe and northern Asia), Ribes alpinum (northern Europe), R. schlechtendalii (northeast Europe), R. multiflorum (southeast Europe), R. petraeum (southwest Europe) and R. triste (North America; Newfoundland to Alaska and southward in mountains).
While Ribes rubrum and R. nigrum are native to northern and eastern Europe, large berried cultivars of the redcurrant were first produced in Belgium and northern France in the 17th century. In modern times, numerous cultivars have been selected; some of these have escaped gardens and can be found in the wild across Europe and extending into Asia.
The white currant is also a cultivar of Ribes rubrum. Although it is a sweeter and albino variant of the redcurrant, it is not a separate botanical species and is sometimes marketed with names such as Ribes sativum or Ribes silvestre, or sold as a different fruit.
Currant bushes prefer partial to full sunlight, and can grow in most types of soil. They are relatively low-maintenance plants and can also be used as ornamentation.
Advantage of Redcurrant
Currants are generally high utility plant. Currants consist of red currants, black currants and goose berries; it does not involve zante currants that are small berries that resemble raisins. Red currants are highly flavored and hence it is used for jams, jellies. They can grow in hard and cold climate as the plant requires winter chill. Thus of all the types of currants, red currants are commercially produced.
It is rich in Vitamin C and potassium and hence is helpful in enhancing the immune system and maintaining the electrolyte balance. Because of its red color it is rich in anthocyanins and proanthocyanidin. Anthocyanin is powerful antioxidants that can scavenge the free radicals in the body and prevent it from causing adverse effects. Hence it is useful against diabetes, heart diseases, cancer and aging. Hence the fruits with red pigment are a good nutritional source.
Proanthocyanidin are colorless compounds that can be converted to anthocyanin. Effect of seeds of red currants on health has not been researched and health implication of red currant seeds has been suggested.
Increased Immune Function .
Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer.
Protection Against Heart Disease.
Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease.
Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure).
Osteoporosis Protection.
Stroke Prevention.
Antioxidant Protection.
Prevention of Epileptic Seizures.
Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness).
No comments:
Post a Comment