What is the best way to store different varieties of currants?
It is very important to be able to properly store currants of any kind. Not only its shelf life depends on this, but also whether it will be possible to save most of the vitamin elements during storage.
There are several delicious ways to store currants, and each of them does not require thermal processing. Experienced housewives do not cook from such a valuable harvest preserves and jams (they can be stored for 3 years) so as not to lose vitamins.
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Proper collection and preparation for saving currant fruits
You can harvest currants only in sunny weather, after the dew has subsided. Red berries should be picked together with the branches, and black ones, on the contrary, without them.
After this, the crop should be washed very carefully (this is correct to do with running water, the pressure should be low), and then left to dry on paper napkins. Unripe berries must be thrown away along with leaves and other debris.
Currant storage methods
Currant berries can be prepared for storage in several proven ways.
In a refrigeration device
Provided that the currant fruit was harvested correctly, in the refrigerator, in its upper compartment, it can be well preserved for 14 days.
Red and white berries will stay fresh for 2 months at a thermometer reading of +1 °C. At the same time, it is necessary to provide the crop with high humidity. To do this, cover the container with the fruits with a moistened napkin or towel, which should be periodically moistened with water. Berries that are planned to be kept in the refrigerator for a long time cannot be washed; this can be done before consumption.
The best containers for storing currants are “breathable containers”: wicker baskets, small boxes with holes or cling film.
See the video “How to keep blackcurrants fresh without freezing! All vitamins are preserved":
In the freezer
Frozen currants will be suitable for consumption until the new harvest, but if the freezer has a dry freezing function (-18 ° C), then the period will be shorter from 1 month to 3 (it all depends on temperature indicators). At the same time, most of the nutrients will remain in it. But the sooner you consume the berry, the more vitamins it will contain. For freezing, currant fruits should be laid out in one ball on a flat container and placed in the freezer. After 5-6 hours, the crumbly pieces of ice from the berries should be placed in a food-grade plastic tray, in a container with a vacuum pump, or other convenient container that previously contained food products and placed again in the chamber.
How to store dried currants
Currants prepared in this way can be suitable for consumption until the new harvest. Only on the condition that it is properly dried and stored in a dark, dry place, with good air circulation and thermometer readings not exceeding +20 °C.
The most “correct” containers for storing such drying are containers made of wood, cardboard or plastic.A bag made of natural fabric is also ideal. In other containers and under inappropriate conditions, mold may develop.
Currants can also be stored in a cool place for six months. ground With sugar state. The same berries are stored in the freezer and consumed throughout the year.