Ribes nigrum 'Ojebyn'

The 'Ojebyn' Blackcurrant Bush is a vigorous variety of blackcurrant with an upright habit, reaching around 1.5m (5ft) in height. It blooms in April with small pale yellow flowers, almost invisible. From mid-July, the black berries ripen in a short and compact clusters. Medium-sized with thin skin, they contain a firm, highly aromatic and flavorful flesh. The berries do not lose their quality after ripening. Very rich in vitamin C, they are ideal for fresh consumption right after picking. The variety is productive, resistant to diseases, and not very susceptible to powdery mildew. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and requires well-drained and nutrient-rich soil.

The Blackcurrant Bush, in Latin Ribes nigrum, is sometimes commonly known as Blackcurrant or European Blackcurrant. It belongs to the Grossulariaceae family, like the Redcurrants and Gooseberries, from which it distinguishes itself with its black fruits. Its origins in the temperate regions of Northern Europe and Asia give the Blackcurrant Bush an excellent cold resistance. 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 virtues.

The 'Ojebyn' Blackcurrant is a Swedish variety dating back to the 1940s. Despite the appearance of more recent varieties, it remains very popular in this country with harsh and long winters. It forms a bushy, non-thorny shrub with a clumping habit of slightly rigid and sparsely branched stems, with soft wood and abundant pith. This very hardy bush reaches a height of 1.50m (5ft) and a spread of 1.20m (4ft). The foliage is deciduous, composed of palmate, lobed, medium-green leaves. It is exceptionally aromatic and pleasantly fragrant when crushed. Leaves, fruits, and buds are intensely fragrant due to the presence of glands containing essential oils used in perfumery. This variety of Blackcurrant blooms in April, with clusters of small greenish to brownish flowers that are pretty insignificant but intensely visited by bees. The fruiting mainly develops on 2- and 3-year-old branches and is less common on older ones. Early, it produces clusters of 5 to 7 medium-sized black berries, with fleshy and juicy flesh, very sweet with a slight acidity. When ripe, the berries are black, round, and filled with juicy flesh containing tiny seeds.

The Ojebyn Blackcurrant is self-fertile, so it does not require a companion to bear fruit, but the presence of another variety nearby will increase production. The harvest is spread out as the fruits ripen, and it is simplified due to the size of the berries. The yield of a Blackcurrant Bush is about 3 to 5 kg of fruit per plant, depending on the age and growing conditions of the plant. All Blackcurrant varieties are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, minerals, trace elements, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus, making them a real asset for health. Moreover, they are among the least energy-dense fruits (50 kcal per 100g). When eaten fresh, they are rich in nutrients. They can also make jellies, jams, pies, cakes, sorbets, ice creams, and milkshakes. They are perfect for accompanying fruit salads and red meats or adding a touch to mixed salads. They can also be transformed into juice, syrups, and liqueur to flavour Kir, cocktails, and Sangria.

In summer, the Blackcurrant Bush adds a decorative touch to your garden with its clusters of black berries. You can pair it with Redcurrants, Raspberry bushes, or other varieties of small fruits to form an edible hedge. when planting blackcurrant bushes, it is essential to alternate species and varieties wherever possible. This promotes pollination, even if the array is self-fertile, and limits the risk of diseases. It is possible to cultivate it in a pot; however, you must choose a container at least 40 cm (16in) in height and ensure regular watering with non-limestone water.