Blackcurrant Troll - Ribes nigrum

The Troll Blackcurrant is an early and self-fertile variety that produces clusters composed of large black berries filled with a slightly coloured juice, with a delicious, sweet and tangy flesh. Due to its early flowering, it is rather recommended for regions with milder climates. Extremely productive, this variety with flexible branches that bend under the weight of its large fruits requires special attention when picking to preserve fruit quality. Plant from October to March for a harvest around August.

Created by INRA, the Ribes nigrum Troll is the result of cross-breeding between two varieties: Tsema and Blackdown. The Blackcurrant Bush belongs to the Grossulariaceae family, like Redcurrants and Gooseberries, from which it distinguishes itself by its black fruits. Its origins in temperate regions from Northern Europe to Asia give this bush excellent hardiness. Cultivated since the 16th century, the Blackcurrant Bush grows spontaneously in the cool woods of northeastern Europe. Historically, it has been mainly used as a medicinal plant, with apothecaries and healers attributing powerful properties to it. It is a bushy, non-thorny shrub with a tufted habit of slightly stiff, sparsely branched stems, whose wood is soft and has abundant pith. This very hardy bush will reach 1.30m (4ft) in all directions. The foliage is deciduous, composed of palmate, lobed, medium green leaves which are particularly aromatic and pleasantly fragrant when crushed. Leaves, fruits, and buds are intensely scented due to the presence of glands containing essential oils, used in perfumery.

The flowering takes place in spring, in the form of clusters of small greenish to brownish insignificant flowers, intensively visited by bees. Fruiting mainly occurs on two- and three-year-old branches and becomes rarer on branches four years and older. The bush is then covered with numerous clusters of round, black berries filled with juicy flesh containing small seeds. This self-fertile and vigorous variety produces abundantly in August. The harvest, staggered as the fruits ripen, is simplified due to the size of the berries. Indeed, it produces clusters of large black fruits, with fragrant and juicy flesh and a sweet flavour with a slight acidity. The yield of a Blackcurrant Bush is about 3 to 5kg of fruit per plant, depending on the age and growing conditions of the plant. All varieties of Blackcurrant Bushes are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, minerals, trace elements, as well as potassium, calcium, and phosphorus, making them real health assets. Additionally, they are among the least energy-dense small fruits (50 kcal per 100g).

The Ribes nigrum Troll can be susceptible to Phytophthora, a disease caused by small-sized mites that can be observed under a magnifying glass, which settle inside the bud and cause it to swell. The damaged bud can then become a vector of viral disease. To fight against this infection, it is possible to treat the plants with Bordeaux mixture combined with sulphur, after cutting and removing the affected branches.

The berries of the Troll Blackcurrant with their highly fragrant and sweet flesh, and a mild flavour with a slight acidity, are exquisite to enjoy fresh to benefit from all the nutritional advantages of the fruit. Excellent in jellies or jams, they can also be used to garnish pies and make cakes. They are perfect for making sorbets, ice creams, or milkshakes. The flavour of the fruits adds a real boost to seasonal fruit salads, red meats, or as a small touch in salads. They can also be used to make juices or syrups, not to mention the traditional blackcurrant liqueur, which can flavour Kir, cocktails, and Sangria.

In summer, the Blackcurrant Bush is very decorative due to the colour of its long clusters of black berries that are enjoyable to pick. In the garden, it finds its place in association with Redcurrants, Raspberry bushes, or other varieties of small fruits to form a low edible hedge. It can be grown in a pot, but be careful to choose a container that is at least 40cm (16in) tall and to be vigilant about regular watering with non-calcareous water.