Currant

currant, any of a number of flowering shrubs of the genus Ribes (family Grossulariaceae) and their edible fruits. The piquant juicy berries are used chiefly in jams and jellies and can be eaten fresh or dried. Several species are grown as garden ornamentals. Currants are natives of temperate climates of the Northern Hemisphere and of western South America; the Rocky Mountains of North America are especially rich in species. See also gooseberry.