When to pick currants and how to do it quickly: how to determine its ripeness

Currant is one of the most common berry crops in summer cottages. And in order for the fruits to remain tasty for as long as possible, it is necessary to find out when to pick blackcurrants and how to accurately determine its ripeness. Depending on the region of growth, the timing of the collection of ripe berries may vary.

When to harvest currants depending on the region of growth (table)

Depending on the region of growth, the culture ripens at different times. In warm climates, berries ripen faster. In the cold, the fruiting period shifts closer to autumn.

Black

Blackcurrant differs in that it ripens unevenly in different regions.

In the northern latitudes, the berry ripens the last and comes into fruiting late due to the unfavorable climate. The ripening of the crop begins on the 45th day after the entry of the bushes into fruiting. In the northern regions, ripening dates fall on the first days of AugustIn the central regions, fruits ripen closer to mid-July. If the summer turned out to be cold, then closer to the end of July. And if warm - the first ripe berries may appear at the end of JuneIn the southern regions, shrubs ripen the earliest. It also enters fruiting early. Harvesting in warm latitudes occurs at the end of June

Regions of Siberia
Volga and Central regions
Southern regions

In some cases, the harvest may take several weeks. Also, the timing of fruit ripening depends on the varietal affiliation. Early varieties ripen closer to mid-June. Mid-early - at the end of June. Late varieties ripen in August.

Red

Krasnoplodnaya differs in very small berries, so they are collected together with twigs most often.

In the north, red currants ripen closer to the beginning of AugustIn the Central regions and the Volga region, where the weather can be warm and cold, in summer the fruiting period falls around mid-July. Early varieties can ripen in mid-JuneIn the south, where warm weather comes very early, fruiting begins in the first decade of June and continues until July

Northern regions
Volga and Central regions
Southern regions

Just as in the case of chokeberry, the ripening period depends on the cultivar. Most summer residents claim that red-fruited varieties ripen two weeks earlier than black ones.

White

In the northern latitudes, the ripening of white-fruited varieties coincides with red fruits and falls at the beginning of AugustWhite currant ripens closer to the second half of June - early July In the south, white varieties ripen in mid-June. Early varieties - in early June. Late varieties ripen closer to mid-July

Northern regions
Volga and Central regions
Southern regions

The red and white varieties ripen almost at the same time due to the fact that both varieties have a thin skin.

Determining the ripeness of berries

Determine the timing of the harvest should be based on the signs of fruit ripeness.

You can determine ripeness by a number of signs:

• The berries have become a rich purple or red hue (depending on the variety).
• Fruits are easily separated from the stalk.
• The branch on which the berries grow turns brown instead of green.
• Tastes sweet.
• Fruits begin to fall off the bush.

Ripness is also determined by the cultivar and the region where the bushes grow.

A berry that has reached mechanical ripeness is not stored for a long time. In the refrigerator, such fruits remain fresh for no more than 1 week. Red and white currants are stored for about 1 month at a temperature of +1 degree.

How to pick currants

Currant picking is a long and laborious process. Berries on shrubs grow small. Especially in red varieties. Collecting red currants with or without twigs - there is no fundamental difference.White and black varieties are harvested separately with berries. For lazy summer residents, there is a relatively quick way to harvest.

To harvest correctly, you need to know in advance the favorable time for harvesting. Berries should be picked early in the morning, when the dew has dried from the bushes. Or in the evening, after sunset. If you pick fruits in hot weather, they will quickly disappear.

Ways to pick berries quickly and easily

Before you start picking fruits, you should prepare a basket or bucket. Blackcurrants are usually plucked in parts, as they ripen unevenly. Red and white varieties are harvested immediately after reaching technical maturity. Because of their thin skin, they spoil quickly.

How to quickly pick blackcurrants from bushes:

• Spread burlap or fabric under the bushes to cover all the soil next to the plant.
• When harvesting fruits, pick them so that they fall on the bedding.
• Then gather up the bedclothes and pour the harvest into a bucket.

You can also use this method if the currant plantings are very large. Although this method is not the fastest and is only suitable for blackcurrants. But you don’t have to carry a bucket with you every time. There is no other way to harvest fruits quickly.

Should I pick unripe currants from a bush?

It is not recommended to collect unripe currants. Such fruits have not yet accumulated nutrients in their composition. They are not suitable for fresh consumption. And in people with a weak stomach, it can cause indigestion and intestinal problems. It is better to wait until the berries reach technical maturity. In unripe form, they are unsuitable for freezing and drying.

Unripe currants can be harvested if you want to keep them fresh for as long as possible. Having collected unripe currants, they are stored in the refrigerator. In a few weeks, it will “reach” and reach technical maturity.

Can I harvest in the rain or after the rain?

Currants can be picked at any time of the day and in any weather. But if you want to keep the berries fresh after harvesting for as long as possible, the collection is carried out in dry sunny weather. If harvested in rainy weather, they will not last long.

Before the onset of rain, the collected currants will be well stored. But after the rain has passed, it is better to wait a few days for the water to dry.

How to sort and store fruits

After harvesting, the fruits must be sorted out. This will allow you to immediately throw out damaged berries. If there is mold on the fruits and such berries are left with the entire crop, it will quickly spread to he althy fruits.

Berries should be sorted out immediately after picking from the bushes. If you leave them even for a few days, the currants will begin to ferment. After the berries have been sorted, they are washed and laid out to dry.

You can store the collected berries in various ways. The easiest way is to freeze them in the freezer. Put the fruits in plastic bags and put them in the freezer.

Another way is to grind with sugar. Grind the washed berries in a blender and add sugar to taste. Transfer to jars and refrigerate.

From the fruits you can prepare compotes and jams for the winter, as well as dry them. Preserved currants are stored in a cellar or refrigerator. Dried berries are transferred to glass jars or cloth bags. Keep away from sunlight.

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