Funny holidays - Currant Day

On July 14, the world celebrates Currant Day. This is a holiday for gardeners, summer residents and all connoisseurs of delicious fruits. Professionals conduct master classes on growing and competitions “Who can eat the most berries, pies and jam.” The verb “frost” in Old Russian means to emit a strong aroma. Currants are one of the most valuable and at the same time affordable food products. The berry bush belongs to the gooseberry family. Scientists have discovered more than 200 wild plant species. Wild thickets of 50 subspecies are found in central Russia. Bushes grow on the edges of forests, the edges of forest belts, the banks of reservoirs, on the outskirts of swamps, and damp floodplain meadows. The lifespan of a perennial shrub is 10-15 years. Under favorable conditions, the harvest ripens by mid-June - early July. The most common are currant plantings with black, white and red berries. In addition, gardeners grow bushes with golden and green fruits. The berries have a round, oval, teardrop shape. Some varieties are distinguished by the edge along the upper part or the entire surface of the skin. The healthiest and most delicious are currants grown in the middle zone and northern latitudes. The first mentions of currant plantings appeared in the 11th century. This garden crop began to be grown by novices of Russian Orthodox monasteries and monasteries. Therefore, in the Middle Ages the name “monastic berry” was used. Gradually, garden culture spread throughout the European, Asian, and Far Eastern parts of the country. Now currants grow on all continents except Antarctica and Australia. But Russia remains the leader in terms of the volume of crops grown. Currant berries are good in any form. The most useful ones are those freshly picked from the bushes. Such food contains the maximum amount of rapidly degrading vitamins, enzymes and vital energy. In addition, compotes, jellies, jams, and marshmallows are made from currants. Syrups, marmalades, and jams are also popular. To preserve vitamins without cooking, freshly picked and washed berries are rubbed with sugar. Tinctures, wines, and home brews have a unique aroma. The leaves and fruits are used for soaking, pickling, and twisting homemade preparations. This is an excellent seasoning for fish, meat, and some types of cheese. Dried shoots are added to teas and decoctions. Most types of currants are honey plants. Black varieties hold the record for the amount of vitamin C. To meet the daily requirement, it is enough to eat 50 grams of fruit daily. Unripe fruits contain 4 times more vitamin C compared to fully ripened berries. In addition, the composition includes vitamins A, B12, E, beneficial enzymes, potassium, magnesium, iron and sodium. The essential oils contained in the leaves help fight colds and inflammatory diseases. Decoctions, 30-45 minute infusions, and mixed teas are good for strengthening the immune system. Compresses on sore spots relieve pain on abscesses and growths. Currants are useful for treating the effects of radiation exposure. With regular use, radionuclides and decay products of damaged cells are removed from the body. Berries, leaves, shoots are first-class raw materials used in the chemical, pharmaceutical industries, winemaking, and agriculture. A common food coloring is made from the black fruit. Currants are rightfully considered one of the healthiest berries. Celebrate the holidays - Currant Day! Grow or buy delicious fruits in stores. Eat currants regularly and you will forget about diseases!