Black currants are a type of edible berry that grows on the Ribes berry shrub, native to Asia and parts of Europe. These berries are typically 1 cm in diameter, with a shiny purplish skin and several seeds inside. They are packed with many healthful nutrients, including phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, essential fatty acids, and minerals.
One of the key nutrients in black currants is anthocyanins, a type of compound naturally found in berries. These compounds are highly potent antioxidants and are responsible for the deep purple color of black currants. Over 300 different types of anthocyanins have been identified so far.