Celebrating The Rich Fruity Woody Scent of Black Currant

What Exactly Is Black Currant?

Also known as cassis, black currant is a bushy shrub that is specifically grown for its edible berries, which are the primary ingredients in the iconic, dark and rich liqueur known as Creme de Cassis.

It is a magnificent addition to fine fragrances as well.

The black currant bud grows on a tree by the same name and it is known to grow as high as 6 feet in length.

It is indigenous to Northern Europe as far north as Lapland and Siberia and is also found in sunny locations with damp fertile soil in the temperate regions of central Europe. 

Its usage dates back to the ancient world and the civilizations of both Greece and Rome where written records indicate that this fruit was used as a treatment for gout.

In Europe, black currants were believed to posses magical properties far beyond their medicinal uses.

Even today, it is believed that those who practice witchcraft and magic use these berries in powdered form and sprinkle them in doorways to prevent the ingress of negative energy.

In the distant past, they were often transported on long journeys to shield travelers from the fear of being alone.

Black currant’s true fame, however, lies in the liqueur mentioned above, which was first developed by French monks in the monasteries of the 17th century who pounded the berries into liquid and then blended them with spirits and sugar, rendering a unique fruity and fermented taste.

Today, Russia is the world’s largest producer of black currants, with an estimated output of 300,000 tons per year that are mainly utilized for self consumption.

France is fourth in place, particularly the region of Burgundy in the Loire Valley and in the Rhone Valley, followed by Poland and the United Kingdom.

Harvested from the end of November to the end of February, some 70% of black currant buds are set aside for the perfume industry.

Black Currant Cultivation And Harvest

Black currants are similar in size and shape to blueberries and they are nutritious, delicious and attractive.

They grows in clusters on the canes of the black currant bush, they ripen in June and are ready to harvest in early July.

Most often, cultivation occurs inside specially made fruit cages in order to prevent birds from reaching the tasty, coveted fruit.

These berries thrive in fertile wet soils and cool winters and easily tolerate partial shade.

An established black currant plant is known to yield as much as 10 pounds of fruit and can remain productive for up to 15 years.

The Diverse Uses of Black Currant

Black currants can be found in a multitude of products including: jams; jellies; juices; preserves; marinades; wines; dyes and as a perfume ingredient for the many fine fragrances we produce.

Several varieties are higher in antioxidants than others, but those are very tart in taste.

Generally speaking, these berries contain more antioxidants than blueberries, more vitamin C than oranges and the most amount of zinc found in any other fruit or vegetable.

Some studies have indicated that black currants help to boost the immune system and cognitive function, reduce gut inflammation, improve vascular health and potentially fight cancer.

More in depth research, however, is needed to discover the full scope of black current properties and how they bolster human health.

A Few More Interesting Facts

1. It is believed that black currants may have been cultivated in Russia in the 11th century but were not grown in Europe until the 1600s.
2. In the United Kingdom, 95% of all cultivated black currants are used to produce Ribena, a popular drink that was developed in 1938.During World War II, this drink was doled out to children for free as a substitute for vitamin C, as citrus was scarce. The government at that time encouraged home gardeners to grow black currants in their private gardens. 
3. Scientists at the University of Leeds have recently developed a non-toxic, sustainable hair dye using discarded berry skins from the Ribena factory that has been on the market since 2018.
4. During the early 1900s. black currants were banned in America because they helped spread a fungus that killed many white pine trees, which severely threatened the US timber industry. Beginning in 2003, the ban was lifted in some states, although they are still considered taboo in New Hampshire and Ohio.
5. Black currant is also known as quinsy berry because of its association as a treatment for an inflammatory condition of the tonsils known as quinsy.
6. There are many varieties of British black currant and they are all named after Scottish mountains. These include: Ben Gairn; Ben Lomond, Ben Conan and Ben Hope, which is the most popular in the United Kingdom. 
7. The magnesium found in black currants is believed to help reduce insomnia and improve the quality and duration of sleep.

The Uses of Black Currant In Perfumery

Our master perfumers understand the the unique, light, fruity and woody notes of cassis with rich, balanced and earthy tones that lie somewhere between green and red fruit scents.

They use black currant mostly in the head notes of citrus, floral and ambery fragrances, where it serves to heighten the effect of various blends, and when combined with woody elements, evoke passion and sensuality.

In combination with musky red rose and tropical, sweet pineapple, the resulting amalgam is sweet and very romantic.

Our Santal Black Currant diffuser oil is part of our collection of Santal blends (pictured below) and has become one of many transformative cornerstone fragrances developed under the masterful eye of our expert perfumers.