For generations, black currants were a beloved fruit throughout Europe, but many Americans have never had the opportunity to taste them fresh. At Pangborn Farms, we're helping bring black currants back to American tables by growing high-quality berries in the fertile fields of northwest Washington.
Our fresh black currants are harvested at peak ripeness and are available for a limited time each summer. Whether you're looking for berries for baking, jam making, juice, cocktails, or simply enjoying fresh, we're proud to grow this flavorful and nutritious fruit.
What Do Fresh Black Currants Taste Like?
Fresh black currants have a bold, distinctive flavor unlike any other berry.
Many people describe the taste as a combination of:
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Blackberry
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Raspberry
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Passion fruit
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Tart
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Berry / Grape
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Woody
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Citrus
The flavor is rich, aromatic, and intensely fruity. When fully ripe, black currants offer a balance of sweetness and tartness that makes them perfect for both sweet and savory recipes.
For many of our customers, their first taste of fresh black currants are quite shocking! It is a very bold, very unique flavor that is unforgettable. We see many of our customers coming back each year for more.
Why Choose Pangborn Farms Black Currants?
At Pangborn Farms, we specialize in growing premium berries with a focus on quality, freshness, and flavor.
Our black currants are:
Grown in the beautiful PNW
Washington State
Harvested at peak ripeness
Available fresh during the summer season
Dedicated to bringing black currants back to the USA
We're passionate about introducing more people to this remarkable fruit and helping preserve its place in modern agriculture.
Are Black Currants Good for You?
Black currants are known for being one of the most nutrient-dense berries available.
They naturally contain:
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Vitamins
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Minerals
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Omega 3 & 6
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Anthocyanins
Many people seek out black currants because of their unique nutritional profile as well as their exceptional flavor.
Detailed Breakdown of nutrition facts:
Vitamins:
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): Provides up to 4x more than oranges per serving to fuel collagen and immunity.
Vitamin E (Alpha-Tocopherol): Acts as a fat-soluble antioxidant that shields cell membranes from damage.
Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene): Supports vision health and cellular growth.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Aids in converting nutrients into usable cellular energy.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Supports cellular metabolic function and respiration.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Assists with DNA repair and nervous system signaling.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Essential for synthesizing coenzyme A and fatty acids.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Plays a vital role in amino acid metabolism and red blood cell production.
Minerals:
Potassium: Regulates fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions.
Manganese: Functions as a co-factor for enzymes tracking bone formation and amino acid metabolism.
Iron: Vital for hemoglobin production and oxygen transport throughout the body.
Calcium: Provides structural integrity to bones and teeth while aiding vascular contraction.
Magnesium: Drives over 300 biochemical reactions, including muscle and nerve function.
Phosphorus: Works closely with calcium to build strong skeletal structures.
Zinc: Supports immune function, protein synthesis, and cellular division.
Copper: Assists with iron absorption and the formation of red blood cells.
Essential Fatty Acids & Antioxidants:
Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA): An exceptionally rare omega-6 anti-inflammatory fatty acid found in the seeds.
Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA): An omega-3 fatty acid that promotes cardiovascular health.
Anthocyanins: Potent antioxidant pigments (such as cyanidin-3-glucoside) giving the berry its dark color.
Bringing Black Currants Back to America
For much of the twentieth century, black currants were difficult to find in the United States. Today, interest in this remarkable berry is growing again as more people discover its flavor, versatility, and history.
Black currants were brought to America in 1629 and were grown for nearly 300 years. In 1911, the U.S. banned them because they were believed to help spread a disease that threatened valuable white pine forests. The federal ban was lifted in 1966, but states controlled their own rules afterward. By the early 2000s, most states had legalized them again, and black currants are now making a comeback across the United States
At Pangborn Farms, we're proud to be part of that revival.
Whether you're a longtime black currant enthusiast or trying them for the first time, we invite you to experience the difference that fresh, locally grown berries can make.
Why Black Currants
Our Story:
When people visit Pangborn Farms, one of the first questions we hear is:
"Why black currants?"
The answer begins with a love for exceptional fruit and a belief that some of the best flavors deserve to be rediscovered.
For generations, black currants were a staple in many parts of Europe, prized for their rich flavor, versatility, and nutritional value. Yet for much of the twentieth century, they remained largely unknown to many Americans.
At Pangborn Farms, we saw an opportunity to change that.
We believed that once people experienced the unique flavor of fresh black currants, they would understand why this remarkable berry has been cherished around the world for centuries.
Growing black currants isn't always the easiest path. They're not as widely recognized as blueberries or strawberries, and introducing a lesser-known fruit takes patience, education, and a willingness to share the story behind every harvest.
But that's exactly what makes the journey worthwhile.
Every season, we have the privilege of watching customers taste fresh black currants for the first time. Some are reminded of flavors they enjoyed growing up. Others discover a completely new favorite berry. Those moments continue to inspire our family's commitment to growing and sharing black currants.
Today, Pangborn Farms is proud to be part of the growing movement bringing black currants back to American kitchens, gardens, and tables.
We're grateful to everyone who visits the farm, purchases our berries, shares our products, and helps spread the word about this extraordinary fruit.
Products coming soon!
We are so excited to be working with New Way Ministries to make Black Currant jams and sauces. Stay tuned for updates and when you can buy some delicious black currant goodies. It's something you can share with family and friends interested in tasting Black Currants prepared lovingly by a local non-profit helping women and children.
