Black currants are renowned for their nutritional benefits, enjoyed fresh, in desserts, jams, and compotes. Yet, their season is fleeting, leaving us yearning for their taste and vitamins all year round! Freezing is an excellent method to preserve black currants for the winter months.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg of black currants
- 150 g of sugar (adjust to taste)
Preparation:
- Prepare the Berries: Carefully sort through the black currants, removing any stems and spoiled berries. Rinse the berries under cold running water.
- Add Sugar: Place the cleaned black currants in a clean bowl. Add sugar according to your taste preference. Blend the berries with a blender until they form a smooth puree.
- Freeze It: Transfer the berry puree into containers or freezer bags. Seal the containers tightly and place them in the freezer.
Tips:
- For better storage, pat dry the berries with a paper towel before freezing.
- If you don’t have a blender, a meat grinder can also be used.
- Alternatively, freeze whole berries sprinkled with sugar.
Storage:
- Store the frozen currants at a temperature no higher than -15°C to maintain their quality.
Defrosting:
You can defrost black currants with sugar using several methods:
- Room Temperature: Transfer the berry puree or sugared berries from the freezer to the refrigerator. Allow them to thaw completely at room temperature.
- Microwave Oven: Use the “Defrost” mode for a few seconds to thaw the berries.
- Hot Water Bath: Place the container with the berries in a pot of hot (not boiling) water for a few minutes.
Usage:
Thawed black currants with sugar can be used to prepare compotes, jellies, morsels, pies, dumplings, and various other dishes.
Freezing black currants with sugar ensures that you can enjoy their beneficial properties and delightful taste throughout the year. It’s a simple and effective way to preserve these nutritious berries for extended periods.
