Blackcurrant Noiroma - Ribes nigrum

Blackcurrant 'Noiroma' is a new variety that will make a splash, its large black fruits are particularly sweet and sugary. Only the most delicate palates can discover the unique flavour of blackcurrant as the sugar content in this variety is higher than in any other. This fast-growing variety is self-fertile. Blackcurrants are more often enjoyed cooked than raw and can be used to make juice, jams, or even pies, but the sweeter flavour of 'Noiroma' allows you to incorporate them raw into a fruit salad, for example. Preferably planted in autumn, or in spring with regular watering.

The Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) belongs to the Grossulariaceae family, like Gooseberries. It is a deciduous shrub native to regions ranging from the Pyrenees to central Asia. Cultivated since the 16th century, the blackcurrant grows naturally in the cool woods of northeastern Europe.

Fruits appear on 2-year-old branches and become less common on 4-year-old and older branches. Harvest when the fruits are fully black and start to fall on the ground. Wait for the fruits to ripen completely before harvesting them. The 'Noiroma' variety has large fruits the size of small grapes that are harvested in late June. Blackcurrants are rich in tannins and vitamin C and C2. They can be eaten fresh in a mixed berry salad, as juice, syrup, jams or jellies, in pastries (pies, charlottes, and sorbets), or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes. They are also used in the production of liqueurs and nectars. Blackcurrants can be dried or frozen and stored, providing a reserve of fruit for the winter.

The Blackcurrant forms a vigorous bush, with upright tufted habit and few branches, reaching 1.5 metres (5 feet) high with a spread of 1 metre (3 feet). The plant reaches its adult size in three years. It is a very hardy bush, resistant to temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F) but sensitive to summer drought. The deciduous leaves are large and flat with three to five lobes and toothed edges, bright green and pleasantly fragrant when crushed. Leaves, fruits, and buds are intensely fragrant due to the presence of glands containing essential oils, used in perfumery. The bark is smooth and reddish on young branches and darkens with age.

Flowering occurs in spring, in the form of small bell-shaped flowers that are often inconspicuous. This is followed by large berries with black and shiny skin, gathered in long clusters. While 'Noiroma' is a self-fertile variety and resistant to mildew, the productivity of the bush can be increased by planting another variety nearby. Alternating varieties and species, when space permits, is a good way to promote pollination and reduce the risk of diseases. You can create a small, edible hedge in the garden by mixing Blackcurrants, Gooseberries, and Raspberries, for example, along the edge of a vegetable garden, or place the Blackcurrant within a flowering shrub bed.