[redhat]

Hi all
My Blackcurrants and Redcurrants have come into their colour - some bushes totally some partially. How long after turning black/red is the optimal time for picking? I live in Reading.

[sion01]

If they're ripe you can pick them.I've got blackcurrants and if always got to pick them in three or four baches as they never ripen all together.Maybe there are types that ripen together but i've never seen one.I'm sure somebody will know.

[Truffle]

Some of my red currant bushes' fruit are red and I tried one the other day and it was very strong in taste. I read somewhere that you should pick your fruit and put them in the fridge for two weeks before eating them. Something to do with bringing the flavour on.

Maybe some could confirm this for me. Cheers

[MoreWhisky]

My blackcurrents ripen at different times to , so for my jam i pick ripe ones weigh them then boil in bit water for 20 min then freeze (first batch in freezer now). Then when i have taken the lot i know how much weight of them i have to make the jam. The have already been pre boiled so soft in my jam to.

[superluke2]

I find black currants that are black will hang on the bush for 3-4 weeks before they fall. If you are patient you can pick a lot at the same time.

[lancashiregardeninggal]

I find black currants that are black will hang on the bush for 3-4 weeks before they fall. If you are patient you can pick a lot at the same time.

I've also read this and it was recommended to cut out the whole cane to harvest which also serves to prune the bush

[Endymion]

We know our blackcurrants are ripe when the blackbirds start eating them.