When to Harvest Golden Currant

Overview

Common in the western and northern portions of the United States, as well as other parts of the world, the golden currant is a small, heavily seeded fruit similar to gooseberries. The 4-to-5-foot bushes produce sweet fruit, as well as give a beautiful decorative look to any landscaping. The yellow, or golden, flowers on the plant are what give the golden currant its name, not the dark berries. Picked fruits are great in jellies and jams, and the sometimes tart taste pairs well with sweeter fruits like peaches or strawberries.

Step 1

Watch for the appearance of the first leaves after winter, followed by flowering in late spring, typically April through June.

Step 2

Follow the progression of the fruits as they grow to about 1/2 inch in diameter. The fruits will start as green and shift to yellow, and then red as they begin to mature.

Step 3

Track the changes of colors as the fruits change to black and then dark purple, signaling the fruits are ripe. This sequence of color transformations will take place as seasons shift into the summer months of June through August.

Step 4

Pick the plump, full-colored fruits from the cluster. They should be easy to pull from the bush with resistance meaning the fruit is not quite ready.