White Currant Werdavia - Ribes rubrum

The 'Werdavia' Whitecurrant Bush is a self-fertile variety, vigorous and cold-resistant. In July, the bush produces long clusters of white, translucent currants with fragrant flesh and a sweet flavour with a slight hint of acidity. Rich in pectin, these small fruits are ideal for making delicious jellies. 'Werdavia' is an easy-to-grow variety that thrives in non-scorching sunlight, well-drained soil, even poor soil. Furthermore, its good disease resistance makes it a simple choice for the garden. Planting can be done from October to March.

In the whitecurrant category, the whitecurrant Bush, also known as Ribes rubrum, belongs to the Grossulariaceae family, just like the Gooseberry Bush. Its origins in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere and the Andes Mountains give the Whitecurrant Bush a very good cold resistance. Cultivated for a long time, it was introduced to France in the Middle Ages. It is a bushy, non-thorny bush with a clump-like habit of slightly stiff, sparsely branched branches, with soft wood and abundant pith. This bush reaches 1.30m (4ft) in all directions. The foliage consists of palmate, lobed, aromatic leaves of medium green. Deciduous, it falls in autumn. Flowering occurs in spring in the form of clusters of small, inconspicuous greenish to brownish flowers, which are intensely visited by bees. Fruit production mainly occurs on one- and two-year-old branches. The bush then becomes covered in numerous clusters of small, round, translucent berries containing small seeds. In July, picking takes place as the fruits ripen.

The 'Werdavia' variety produces about 2 to 4kg of fruits per plant depending on the age and growing conditions of the plant. All currant varieties are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, minerals, trace elements, as well as potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. Moreover, they are among the least calorific small fruits (50 kcal per 100 g). The small berries of the 'Werdavia' Whitecurrant Bush are a treasure during the summer. Picked from the bush, they are exquisite when eaten fresh, and for added indulgence, they can be sprinkled with a little crystallized sugar. Excellent for jellies or preserves, they can also be used to garnish tarts and make cakes. They are perfect for making sorbets or ice creams, as well as accompanying red meats or adding a touch to composed salads.

In the garden, the Whitecurrant Bush finds its place in association with other varieties of small fruits and only enhances its multiple culinary advantages. It can be grown in a pot, but be sure to choose a container that is at least 40cm (16in) tall and to be diligent in watering regularly with preferably non-calcareous water.