Canadian Black Currants
Bold, tangy currants grown in Ontario.
From fresh summer berries to small-batch jams, juices and drinks,
we specialize in currants – grown, harvested, and handcrafted in Canada.
What are Black Currants?
Black currants or blackcurrants are small, dark purple to black berries that grow on the Ribes nigrum plant. They are related to red/whitecurrants, gooseberries and jostaberries.
The folks in New Zealand describe it best: The Blackcurrant: A sweet earthy taste unlike other berries. Fresh gooseberry and passion-fruit flavour-aromas and hints of raspberry, combined with the floral aromatic notes of carnations and roses. An underlying tannic structure adds complexity and balance to the blackcurrant’s acidity and sweetness. The aftertaste is fresh and sharply cleansing, with no residual sweetness.
Black Currants are enormously popular in Europe, Great Britain and New Zealand. They have been grown in Canada for over a hundred years mostly on family farms. The early farmers knew of the high levels of Vitamin C in the fruit, the soothing quality of it’s tea, and its natural pectin which made Black Currants perfect for preserves.
They’re often used in juices, jams, jellies, syrups, and even wines.
Here are a few things about black currants:
Health Benefits:
- High in vitamin C: One serving of black currants can provide more than 300% of the daily recommended intake of Vitamin C.
- Packed with antioxidants: They contain anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory properties and can help fight oxidative stress.
- Good for heart health: Black currants may help improve circulation, reduce blood pressure, and reduce cholesterol levels.
Culinary Uses
- Black currants are often used in desserts, sauces, smoothies, or mixed into savoury dishes for a burst of flavour.
- Their tartness is perfect for making preserves or even adding to drinks like cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages.
Flavour of the Year 2026
American spice-maker McCormick & Company
has picked black currant as its 2026 Flavour of the Year.
McCormick has named black currant as its 2026 “Flavour of the Year,” part of its annual report on dining trends that helps the company develop products consumers want to buy.
These kinds of annual reports can help companies stay fresh in the minds of shoppers.
About Plaid Shirt Farms
As a Grower
Plaid Shirt Farms Ltd is a leading grower of Black Currants in Canada.
We currently have 14 acres of currants under cultivation.
How we Grow
We prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and integrated pest management with an emphasis on low-spray and pollinator-friendly methods.
As a Propagator
Plaid Shirt Farms Ltd is proud to be the sole Canadian licensee propagator of Black Currant varieties developed by McGinnis Berry Crops Ltd.
As a Processor
Black Currants go into making the finest, full-bodied preserves; jams/spreads, chutneys, sauces, drinks and juice, all bursting with bold flavours for you to enjoy.