Blackcurrant vs. Blackberry — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 18, 2023
Blackcurrants are small, round, dark purple berries from the Ribes genus, while blackberries are larger, dark purple-black fruits from the Rubus genus.
Difference Between Blackcurrant and Blackberry
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Blackcurrants are small, round berries that belong to the Ribes genus. On the other hand, blackberries, although also dark in color, are slightly larger and belong to the Rubus genus.
When considering taste, blackcurrants have a tart, sometimes astringent flavor, whereas blackberries offer a sweet, sometimes tangy taste. Both can be found in jams, jellies, and other culinary delights, but the taste profiles they bring are distinctly different.
The physical appearance of blackcurrants is often mistaken with blueberries due to their size and shape. Blackberries, with their characteristic larger size and segmented appearance, are often not confused with other berries.
In terms of cultivation, blackcurrants prefer cooler climates and are often grown in Northern Europe and Russia. Blackberries, conversely, are hardy plants that can thrive in various climates, including the temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere.
Blackcurrants are known for their high vitamin C content and are often used in medicinal syrups, especially in Europe. Blackberries, while also nutritious, are popularly consumed fresh or are incorporated in desserts, juices, and jams.
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Comparison Chart
Genus
Ribes
Rubus
Taste
Tart, sometimes astringent
Sweet, sometimes tangy
Appearance
Small, round berries
Larger, segmented fruits
Preferred Climate
Cooler climates (Northern Europe, Russia)
Various climates, especially temperate zones
Common Uses
Jams, jellies, medicinal syrups
Fresh consumption, desserts, juices, jams
Compare with Definitions
Blackcurrant
Known for its high vitamin C content.
Blackcurrant syrup is often given to children during winter months.
Blackberry
Belongs to the Rubus genus.
The Rubus genus comprises blackberries and raspberries.
Blackcurrant
Has a tart flavor profile.
The tartness of the blackcurrant complements sweet desserts.
Blackberry
A dark purple-black fruit with a segmented appearance.
Blackberry pie is a summertime favorite.
Blackcurrant
A small, round, dark purple berry.
Blackcurrant jam is popular in many European countries.
Blackberry
Often consumed fresh or in desserts.
Fresh blackberries are a delicious snack.
Blackcurrant
Belongs to the Ribes genus.
The Ribes genus includes both blackcurrants and redcurrants.
Blackberry
Thrives in various climates.
Blackberries grow wild in many parts of the U.S.
Blackcurrant
The blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum), also known as black currant or cassis, is a deciduous shrub in the family Grossulariaceae grown for its edible berries. It is native to temperate parts of central and northern Europe and northern Asia, where it prefers damp fertile soils.
Blackberry
The blackberry is an edible fruit produced by many species in the genus Rubus in the family Rosaceae, hybrids among these species within the subgenus Rubus, and hybrids between the subgenera Rubus and Idaeobatus. The taxonomy of blackberries has historically been confused because of hybridization and apomixis, so that species have often been grouped together and called species aggregates.
Blackcurrant
A small round edible black berry that grows in loose hanging clusters.
Blackberry
Any of various shrubs of the genus Rubus in the rose family, having usually prickly stems, compound leaves, and an aggregate fruit of small drupelets.
Blackcurrant
The widely cultivated shrub that bears blackcurrants.
Blackberry
The fruit of these plants, usually black, purple, or deep red.
Blackcurrant
A shrub, Ribes nigrum, that produces small, very dark purple, edible berries.
Blackberry
A fruit-bearing shrub of the aggregate species Rubus fruticosus and some hybrids.
Blackcurrant
The berry borne by this shrub.
Blackberry
The soft fruit borne by this shrub, formed of a black (when ripe) cluster of drupelets.
Blackcurrant
Prefers cooler growing climates.
Northern European countries produce vast amounts of blackcurrants.
Blackberry
The blackcurrant.
Blackberry
To gather or forage for blackberries.
Blackberry
The fruit of several species of bramble (Rubus); also, the plant itself. Rubus fruticosus is the blackberry of England; Rubus villosus and Rubus Canadensis are the high blackberry and low blackberry of the United States. There are also other kinds.
Blackberry
Large sweet black or very dark purple edible aggregate fruit of any of various bushes of the genus Rubus
Blackberry
Bramble with sweet edible black or dark purple berries that usually do not separate from the receptacle
Blackberry
Pick or gather blackberries;
The children went blackberrying
Blackberry
Has a sweet, sometimes tangy taste.
The tanginess of blackberries makes them perfect for jams.
Common Curiosities
Can you eat both berries raw?
Yes, both blackcurrants and blackberries can be consumed raw.
Are blackcurrants and blackberries the same?
No, blackcurrants are from the Ribes genus, while blackberries are from the Rubus genus.
Which is tarter, blackcurrants or blackberries?
Blackcurrants have a tarter flavor compared to blackberries.
Which berry is larger in size?
Blackberries are generally larger than blackcurrants.
Are blackberries and raspberries related?
Yes, both belong to the Rubus genus.
Which berry is more common in European cuisine?
Blackcurrants are more commonly used in European dishes.
Which is better for pies, blackcurrants or blackberries?
Both can be used, but blackberries are a common choice for pies in the U.S.
Are blackcurrants common in the U.S.?
Blackcurrants were once less common due to cultivation bans, but they're becoming more popular.
Do both berries have medicinal properties?
Both are nutritious, but blackcurrants are especially known for their high vitamin C content.
Can both berries be used in jams?
Yes, both are popular ingredients for jams and jellies.
Which berry is more drought-resistant?
Blackberries are more adaptable and can tolerate a range of conditions, including drought.
Which berry has thorns on its plant?
Blackberry plants often have thorns, while blackcurrant plants typically do not.
Can you make wine from these berries?
Yes, both blackcurrants and blackberries can be used to make wines.
Are there red variants of blackcurrants?
Yes, there are redcurrants, which are closely related to blackcurrants.
Are these berries available year-round?
Their availability varies by region, but they're generally seasonal.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
