White Currant Witte Parel or White Pearl - Ribes rubrum

The 'White Pearl' or 'Witte Parel' Currant Bush is an old, vigorous variety that is resistant to cold. In July-August, this self-fertile variety produces long clusters of translucent white 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. Ribes rubrum 'Witte Parel' (= 'White Pearl') is an easy-to-grow variety that thrives in non-scorching sunlight and well-drained soil, even poor soil. Its good disease resistance makes it a simple choice for the garden. Planting can be done from October to March for a harvest around July.

In the whitecurrant bush category, the whitecurrant Bush, also known as Ribes rubrum, belongs to the Grossulariaceae family, just like the Gooseberry Bush. Its origins in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere and the Andes Mountains give the Whitecurrant Bush excellent cold resistance. Cultivated for a long time, it was introduced to France in the Middle Ages. It is a bushy shrub, without thorns, with a clump-like habit of slightly rigid, sparsely branched branches, with soft wood and abundant pith. This very hardy bush reaches about 1.30m (4ft) in all directions. The foliage is deciduous, composed of palmate, lobed, and aromatic leaves, of medium green colour.

Flowering occurs in spring, in the form of clusters of insignificant greenish to brownish flowers that are intensely visited by bees. Fruiting mainly occurs on one- and two-year-old branches. The bush is then covered with numerous clusters of small round and translucent berries, containing small seeds. In July, the harvest takes place as the fruits ripen. The 'Witte Parel' or 'White Pearl' variety produces long clusters of white fruits with fragrant and juicy flesh and a sweet flavour with a slight hint of acidity. Self-fertile and vigorous, a Whitecurrant Bush can produce about 2 to 4kg of fruits per plant depending on the age and growing conditions of the plant. All redcurrant varieties are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, minerals, trace elements, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus, making them real assets for health. Furthermore, they are among the least energy-dense small fruits (50 kcal per 100 g). It is preferable to grow Whitecurrant Bushes in non-scorching sunlight, in well-drained, even poor soil. Planting can be done from October to March for a harvest around July. Ribes rubrum 'Witte Parel' is highly resistant to diseases.

The small berries of the 'White Pearl' or 'Witte Parel' Currant Bush, with their fragrant and sweet flesh and a slight hint of acidity, are a treasure in the summer. Picked fresh from the bush, they are exquisite to enjoy, and for added indulgence, they can be sprinkled with a little crystallized sugar. Excellent in jellies or jams, they can also be used to garnish pies and make cakes. They are perfect for making sorbets or ice creams, accompanying red meats, or adding a touch to composed salads.

In the summer, it will bring pleasure and delight with the colour of its long white clusters composed of multiple translucent white berries. In the garden, the Whitecurrant Bush finds its place alongside other varieties of small fruits, enhancing its culinary advantages. It is possible to grow it in a pot, but be sure to choose a container that is at least 40cm (16in) tall and to regularly water it with non-hard water.