Gooseberries are also commonly compared to currants, to which they are closely related. Both gooseberries and currants make up the genus Ribes. If you’re in a pinch, currants often make an acceptable substitute for gooseberries when cooking and vice versa. [1] X Research source Gooseberries, which grow on gooseberry shrubs, come in two main varieties—American and European. Note that the Indian gooseberry, also known as Amla, is not technically a gooseberry (though it is delicious in its own right, if you are considering trying it). [2] X Research source Cape gooseberries are also often mistaken for gooseberries. They’re not real gooseberries, either![3] X Research source
Less ripe gooseberries are green and resemble very tiny watermelons, while riper gooseberries are purply-red, similar to a red grape.
The skin of a gooseberry (which is edible) is firm but easily puncturable with your teeth, and bursts just like the skin of a cherry or grape tomato.
Before eating, make sure to rinse your gooseberry, and “tap and tail it”—that is, cut the hard stem off the berry with a paring knife. [8] X Research source As a reminder, green berries are less ripe and therefore more tart, so if you want a tart snack, green is your go-to. For a sweeter flavor, go for purple or red.
Use gooseberries in pies, tarts, galettes, and other desserts. They also make delicious jams, jellies, and compotes. [10] X Research source Gooseberries can also be used in savory recipes like relish or meat dishes. Their tartness and acidity makes them especially yummy in seafood, chicken, and pork recipes. [11] X Research source
Muddle your berries and add them to your favorite boozy drink. [13] X Research source Or make them into a basic syrup to flavor your tea, cocktail, or soda. [14] X Research source
Gooseberries are still a well-kept secret in the United States due to the federal ban placed on growing currants and gooseberries, members of the genus Ribes, in the early 20th century. The ban was to prevent the spread of white pine blister rust, a fungal disease affecting white pines and Ribes. [16] X Research source The ban on Ribes was lifted in the 1960s, but gooseberries remain rather unknown in the United States, and some states still prohibit the growing of black currants, which are particularly susceptible to white pine blister rust. [17] X Research source
Remember, green berries are less ripe and therefore more tart. For a sweeter berry, go for the riper red-purple ones. Love gooseberries? Why not grow them yourself?
Before freezing, remove the stems and place all berries on a cookie sheet, spaced apart so that they aren’t touching. Once they have frozen individually, add them to a freezer-safe bag and return them to the freezer. [21] X Research source
