Ribes nero Ojebyn

The Blackcurrant 'Ojebyn' is a vigorous-growing variety of blackcurrant with an upright habit, reaching about 1.5 m in height. It blooms in April with small, pale yellow flowers, almost imperceptible. From mid-July, the black berries, gathered in a short and compact cluster, reach maturity. Medium-sized, with thin skin, they contain a firm, very aromatic and tasty pulp. The berries do not lose their quality after ripening. Very rich in vitamin C, they are ideal for fresh consumption right after picking. The variety is productive, resistant to diseases, and not very sensitive to powdery mildew. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and requires well-drained soil rich in nutrients.

The Blackcurrant, in Latin Ribes nigrum, is sometimes commonly known as Black Currant or Gadellier noir. It belongs to the Grossulariaceae family, like Redcurrants and Gooseberries, from which it differs by its black fruits. Originating from temperate regions of Northern Europe to Asia, the Blackcurrant has very good cold resistance. Cultivated since the 16th century, the Blackcurrant grows spontaneously in the cool woods of Northeastern Europe. Historically, it was mainly used as a medicinal plant, with apothecaries and healers attributing powerful virtues to it.

The Ribes nigrum 'Ojebyn' is a Swedish creation from the 1940s. Despite the appearance of more recent varieties, it remains very popular in this country with harsh and long winters. It forms a bushy, non-thorny shrub, with a tufted habit of slightly stiff, sparsely branched twigs, whose wood is soft and rich in pith. This very hardy bush will reach a height of 1.50 m and a spread of 1.20 m. The foliage is deciduous, composed of palmate, lobed, medium green leaves. It is particularly aromatic and pleasantly fragrant when crushed. Leaves, fruits, and buds are intensely scented due to the presence of glands containing essential oils used in perfumery. This Blackcurrant variety blooms in April, with clusters of small greenish to brownish flowers, rather inconspicuous but intensely visited by bees. Fruiting mainly occurs on 2- to 3-year-old branches and is less common on older ones. Early, it produces, around early July, clusters of 5 to 7 medium-sized black berries, with juicy and fleshy pulp, very sweet, slightly acidic.

The Blackcurrant 'Ojebyn' is self-fertile, so it does not require a pollinator to bear fruit, but having another variety nearby will increase production. Harvesting occurs as the fruits ripen, and is simplified due to the berry size. A Blackcurrant plant yields about 3 to 5 kg of fruit per plant depending on age and growing conditions. All Blackcurrant varieties are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, minerals, trace elements, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus, making them beneficial for health. They are among the least energetic fruits (50 kcal per 100 g). Freshly eaten, they are nutrient-rich. They can also be used to make jellies, jams, pies, cakes, sorbets, ice creams, and milkshakes. They are perfect for fruit salads and red meats, or as a touch in mixed salads. They can also be turned into juice, syrups, and liqueurs for flavouring Kir cocktails and Sangria.

In summer, the Blackcurrant adds a decorative touch to your garden with its clusters of black berries. You can associate it with Redcurrants, Raspberry bushes, or other varieties of small fruits to create an edible hedge. It is important, in a Blackcurrant plantation as in any plantation, to alternate species and varieties where possible. This promotes pollination, even if the variety is self-fertile, and reduces the risk of diseases. It can be grown in a pot, but you should choose a container at least 40 cm high and ensure regular watering with non-calcareous water.