This month we turn our attention to a fruit that has a somewhat 'down at heel' reputation - the gooseberry. It tends to be considered a basic, utilitarian fruit, good for pie fillings perhaps or for growing in a tricky site where other fruits may struggle but certainly lacking the allure of some other summer fruits.
There is a persistent notion that a gooseberry is only a substitute for something better, or just fit for the kitchen. This may be rooted in snobbery - there was a long tradition in the 1800s of competitive gooseberry growing in the Midlands and the North among the working class, whereas the upper classes would grow grapes and even pineapples to show off their affluence. Or it may just be that gooseberries are often picked, sold, or scrumped as underripe fruit, so they have a reputation as being sour and tart with tough skins.
In fact, if you pick the right variety and show them a little love, the gooseberry can be one of the finest of soft fruit: tender, aromatic and sweet with a unique flavour that, picked straight from the bush, is a true delight.
ONCE VERY POPULAR
There are two main types of gooseberry. The one we are familiar with is the European gooseberry, Ribes uva-crispa. Native to Europe, it was introduced in Britain in the 13th century (Edward I had plants shipped over from France), and soon gained widespread popularity. The 1800s became the golden age of gooseberry growing in the UK, where competitive shows were organised up and down the land as cottage gardeners vied to produce the largest fruit.
This story is from the February 2024 edition of Kitchen Garden.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2024 edition of Kitchen Garden.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
EASY DOES IT!
As the growing season gathers pace there's one thing often in short supply: time! Ever feel like you're chasing your tail? Benedict Vanheems offers some tips to save valuable time and effort
A NEW Kitchen garden!
It's time for sowing and planting in the new garden and while Martin is busy with that, Jill is making a tasty asparagus soup
OUR PLOTTER OF THE MONTH
Kitchen Garden readers rose to the challenge when we asked for pictures of their plots to appear in the magazine this year. It's time to meet another of our talented competition winners
MANAGING WEEDS, NATURALLY
Weeds are never far away but you can keep them at bay without recourse to weedkillers
Meet the apple doctor
KG editor Steve Ott chats to Glyn Smith, head gardener for the National Trust's Erddig estate in Wrexham, about his career and love of the garden he has tended for 38 years
A CORNUCOPIA OF COURGETTES
It's time to sow a first batch of tender crops such as courgettes for picking through the summer months. KG editor Steve Ott has some tips for a super harvest
FLAVOURSOME FRUIT CURRANTS
you If I want to plant some soft fruit that is easy to grow and will give you plenty of flavour, how about trying currants?
TRY AMARANTH! The dual-purpose veg
Garden Organic's research manager Anton Rosenfeld extols the virtues of amaranth and how to grow it
A SPACE APART
Instagrammer James Martin shares his love of gardening and how much it has helped him and his family both mentally and physically under very difficult circumstances
HITTING THE SWEET SPOT
Welcome to the wonderful world of sweetcorn as Rob Smith takes a look at both old and newer varieties, with some growing advice too