Consort Black Currant

Ribes nigrum ‘Consort’

Description & Overview

Consort Black Currant is a large black currant variety that produces prolific amounts of black fruits that have the unique ‘musky’ flavor shared by all black currant varieties. The flavor is relished by many and cursed by some. Highly prized as a super food as high in Vitamin C and anti-oxidants. The fruit is borne in long clusters typical of all currant fruits and ripen in July.

Core Characteristics

Suggested Uses:

Black currants are primarily grown for cooking and not so much for fresh eating. Their flavor cooked is quite different from what it is when eaten fresh. They are enjoyed by many in smoothies, jellies, compotes and other cooked fruit products. Extremely popular in Europe.

Wildlife Value:

Birds really enjoy the fruit.

Maintenance Tips:

Prune out all 3 year old canes each year in late winter/early spring to promote better plant regeneration and fruit production.

Pests/Problems:

Somewhat susceptible to mildew late in the growing season. Consort Black was released as a “resistant’ variety to White Pine Blister Rust. Care should be taken however to avoid growing currants near white pines if possible. The fungal agent that causes this disease spends part of its lifecycle on white pines and part on currants. While it does not kill the currants, it can kill the white pine.

Leaf Lore:

Consort was developed in Ottawa Canada and released as a resistant variety to White Pine Blister Rust.

Companion Plants:

Black currants are self-pollinating.

CONSORT BLACK CURRANT BENCHCARD