Redcurrant Premiere Raisin Deltir - Ribes rubrum

The Premiere Redcurrant Raisin® Deltir is a late variety, vigorous and cold-resistant.  Towards the end of July to early August, the bush produces long clusters of translucent redcurrants, with fragrant flesh and a sweet and tangy flavour. Rich in pectin, these small fruits are ideal for making delicious jellies. It is a disease-resistant variety, fast-growing, easy to cultivate in non-scorching sun, in well-drained, even poor soil, which makes it easy to grow in the garden. 

In the redcurrant category, the Premiere Raisin Deltir Redcurrant, Ribes rubrum, belongs to the Grossulariaceae family, like other currants. Its origins in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere and the Andes Cordillera give the Redcurrant Bush excellent hardiness.  It is a bushy shrub, non-thorny, with a tufted habit of slightly stiff, sparsely branched branches, with soft wood and abundant pith. This bush will reach 1.30 m (4ft) in all directions. The foliage is deciduous (absent in winter), composed of palmate, lobed, and aromatic leaves, medium green. Flowering occurs in spring, in the form of clusters of small inconspicuous greenish to brownish flowers, 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, resembling pearls, containing small seeds.

This variety Premiere Redcurrant Raisin® Deltir produces towards the end of July to early August, after other varieties of redcurrant, and picking takes place as the fruits ripen. The yield is approximately 2 to 4 kg 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, as well as potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. Moreover, redcurrants are among the least caolrific berries (50 kcal per 100 g). When picked from the bush, they are exquisite to eat fresh, and for added indulgence, they can be sprinkled with a little crystallised sugar. Excellent in jellies or jams, they can also be used to garnish tarts and make cakes. They are perfect for making sorbets or ice creams, accompanying red meats, or adding a touch to mixed salads.

The Raisin Deltir Redcurrant fits well with other varieties of berries that only enhance its many culinary advantages. It can be grown in a pot, but be sure to choose a container at least 40 cm (16in) in height and be diligent in watering with preferably non-calcareous water.