Currants are a type of berry that come in black, red, and white varieties. They are tiny, tart, and have a bold flavor. Fresh currants are often used in desserts and jams, while dried currants are commonly processed into jams, sauces, and syrups. Currants are also known as Zante currants or Black Corinth raisins, and are dried berries that come from seedless Black Corinth grapes. They are not to be confused with berries like Ribes sativium and Ribes nigrum.

In terms of differences between currants and other dried fruits, raisins are dried white Moscatel grapes, while sultanas are made from seedless green grapes. Fresh currants can be used in a variety of ways, such as in scones, tarts, pies, sorbets, puddings, custards, fruit salads, holiday stuffings, baked goods, or to garnish desserts with their pretty color. They are also wonderful in jams and jellies, and are naturally full of pectin and acidity, so theres no need to add pectin when making jams and preserves.