Gooseberry Juice

Gooseberries

Gooseberries grow as deciduous shrubs usually in places with not to hot summers and chilly winters (this also depends on the variety). They are about 3 feet tall and 6 feet wide. They bear tiny berries with many minute seeds inside. The berries taste sweet and tangy, like a blend of strawberry and pineapple. Their color ranges from green, white, yellow, or shades of red, pink, purple to almost black.

Gooseberry Varieties

Gooseberries are classified into two species: the European gooseberry, scientifically known as Ribes grossulara, native to Caucasus Mountains and North Africa. The other one is the American gooseberry or Ribes hirtellum which is indigenous to Northeastern and North-central United States and some parts of Canada. European gooseberry bears fruits which are usually large, like a small plum measuring one inch length and lesser width. This variety is more flavorful and is more often used in cooking dishes. American gooseberries are smaller, sweet, perfectly round with shades of pink to dark red when ripe.

Gooseberries hate too much sunlight!

Gooseberries collapse quickly when soil or air temperature is high, exceeding 85 degrees F. They prefer morning sun, afternoon part-shade and buoyant air circulation. Gooseberries can be cultivated in high shades of fruit trees or in the north sides of buildings. However, American gooseberries are more sun tolerant compared to European gooseberries.

Gooseberry Harvest

One gooseberry bush or shrub could yield eight to ten pounds of fruit. Gooseberries used for culinary purposes can be harvested unripe while those used for desserts must be fully ripe when harvested.

Gooseberry Culinary Uses

Gooseberries have been a popular ingredient in different culinary recipes. Gooseberry juice, aside from its medicinal and nutritional benefits, is loved by people for its good refreshing taste. Aside from gooseberry juice, gooseberries have also been used as an ingredient in desserts including pies and crumbles. They can also be made into other beverages like soda, fruit wine and tea, as well as into preserved foods like jam, and dried fruit. Now let’s first take a look at the nutritional facts of gooseberries and then also their health benefits.

Gooseberry Nutrition Facts

per 100 g serving, raw (1 cup)

Water: 87.87 g

Total fat: 0.9 g

Cholesterol: 0 mg

Sodium: 2 mg

Total Carbohydrates: 10.18 g

Dietary Fiber: 4.3 g

Protein: 0.88 g

Calcium: 25 mg

Iron: 0.31 mg

Magnesium: 10 mg

Phosphorus: 27 mg

Potassium: 198 mg

Sodium: 1 mg

Vitamin C: 27.7 mg

Vitamin A: 290 IU

Vitamin E: 0.37 mg