Jostaberry ConfiBerry Jofruti

This variety of Confi®Berry Jofruti® Currant is distinguished by its compact habit and good productivity. The bush produces numerous clusters of small blackish-red fruits when ripe, slightly tart. Their flavour and texture are more reminiscent of gooseberries. They can be enjoyed fresh as well as in jam or jelly. Self-fertile, this currant will find its place in the orchard, along with blackcurrants and redcurrants. Plant it in a sunny spot in deep, moist soil that does not dry out.

From the Grossulariaceae family, Ribes x nidigrolaria is the result of a cross-breeding between the Blackcurrant and a close relative of the Gooseberry. 'Jofruti' is a recent variety from the Confi®Berry range, selected for its compact size and generous production. It forms a thornless bush with a compact habit and arching branches, not exceeding 1.4 m (5ft) in height and almost as wide. Its slightly toothed three-lobed leaves are green and deciduous, absent in winter. In April, clusters of small red flowers appear, followed by berries resembling blackcurrants. They measure between 1.2 and 1.4 cm (1in) in diameter.

Self-fertile, the 'Jofruti' currant is appreciated for its generosity. The early July harvest is abundant. Its fruits are quite similar to gooseberries in flavour and texture. They can be enjoyed fresh as well as in jam or jelly. Generally, not all fruits ripen at the same time. It is necessary to wait until the red fruits turn black tinged with red to ensure their full ripeness. You can either harvest them as they ripen and freeze them to cook all at once, or wait until two-thirds are ripe and harvest them all. Less ripe fruits are richer in pectin, which promotes the setting of your jellies and jams.

In the garden, the 'Jofruti' currant will find its place in the orchard along with white-fruited redcurrants ‘Versaillaise Blanche’ and red-fruited ‘Junifer’ for varied breakfasts - maybe redcurrant jelly on Monday and jam on the Tuesday! You can also plant it in a small fruit hedge in the vegetable garden, or even in a border, like the flowering currant, but a more indulgent version.