Ben More Black Currant

Ribes nigrum 'Ben More'

BLACK CURRANTS ARE PROHIBITED TO DE, ME, NC, NJ, WV, VA, MI, MA, NH, OH & RI. Rust resistant varieties may be shipped to OH & MI

Named after the mountains of Scotland, the 'Ben' series are easy to grow and produce the highest quality currants in the world. Ripens in mid July. Ben More offers very large berries on short, dangling strigs - fruit ripens evenly and the flavor is strong and true black currant. Late blooming to avoid random spring frosts, but early to ripen.

Partially self fertile plants produce best with another variety for cross-pollination. Bushes will grow to 4-5’ tall with stout branches that capably support the large load of fruit. We offer well rooted 1-year bushes. Cold hardy to USDA Zone 3 (-40F).

Black currants have outstanding health benefits, including high Vitamin C content, up to 5 times that of oranges by weight. They have twice the potassium of bananas and twice the antioxidants of blueberries. The antioxidants, essential fatty acids and potassium in black currants have anti-inflammatory impact, reducing the effects of arthritis. Its antioxidant action has been shown to help prevent cancer. The strong flavor of black currants is highly prized in Europe, even fresh, but most Americans prefer them made into jam, syrup or dried as raisins.

Click here to read our Currant Growing Guide