B2 adjective Neutral

blackcurrant

/ˌblækˈkʌr.ənt/

Describing something that has the flavor, scent, or dark purple color of the blackcurrant berry. It is frequently used to characterize food products, beverages, and scents derived from the Ribes nigrum plant.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I usually have blackcurrant jam on my toast in the morning.

I usually have blackcurrant jam on my toast in the morning.

2

The study examines the antioxidant properties of blackcurrant extract in dietary supplements.

The study examines the antioxidant properties of blackcurrant extract in dietary supplements.

3

Do you want some of this blackcurrant squash? It's really refreshing.

Do you want some of this blackcurrant squash? It's really refreshing.

Word Family

Noun
blackcurrant
Adjective
blackcurrant
Related
currant
💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'black' 'current' of purple juice flowing from a tiny round berry.

Quick Quiz

The chef decided to garnish the tart with a ________ glaze to add a sharp, fruity contrast.

Correct!

The correct answer is: blackcurrant

Examples

1

I usually have blackcurrant jam on my toast in the morning.

everyday

I usually have blackcurrant jam on my toast in the morning.

2

The study examines the antioxidant properties of blackcurrant extract in dietary supplements.

formal

The study examines the antioxidant properties of blackcurrant extract in dietary supplements.

3

Do you want some of this blackcurrant squash? It's really refreshing.

informal

Do you want some of this blackcurrant squash? It's really refreshing.

4

Research indicates that blackcurrant anthocyanins may contribute to improved cardiovascular health.

academic

Research indicates that blackcurrant anthocyanins may contribute to improved cardiovascular health.

5

The company is launching a new blackcurrant-flavored energy drink this summer.

business

The company is launching a new blackcurrant-flavored energy drink this summer.

Word Family

Noun
blackcurrant
Adjective
blackcurrant
Related
currant

Common Collocations

blackcurrant jam blackcurrant jam
blackcurrant juice blackcurrant juice
blackcurrant flavor blackcurrant flavor
blackcurrant bush blackcurrant bush
blackcurrant cordial blackcurrant cordial

Common Phrases

blackcurrant cheesecake

blackcurrant cheesecake

blackcurrant lozenge

blackcurrant lozenge

blackcurrant tea

blackcurrant tea

Often Confused With

blackcurrant vs blackberry

Blackberries are larger, grow on thorny brambles, and have a bumpy texture, whereas blackcurrants are small, smooth, and grow on shrubs.

blackcurrant vs currant (dried)

Dried currants used in baking are actually small dried grapes (Zante currants), not the fresh berries from the Ribes family.

📝

Usage Notes

Mainly used as an attributive adjective before nouns like 'jam', 'syrup', or 'flavor'. In British English, it is almost always written as one word, whereas in American English, it may occasionally appear as two words.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse it with the 'current' (as in water or electricity) due to the identical pronunciation. Another mistake is assuming it tastes like a raisin because of the word 'currant'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'black' 'current' of purple juice flowing from a tiny round berry.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from 'black' + 'currant', where 'currant' comes from the Middle English 'raysons of Coraunte' (raisins of Corinth).

Grammar Patterns

used as an attributive adjective usually uncountable when referring to flavor no comparative or superlative forms
🌍

Cultural Context

Blackcurrant is extremely popular in the UK and Europe (e.g., Ribena), but was banned in the US for decades to protect the timber industry, making it less familiar to Americans.

Quick Quiz

The chef decided to garnish the tart with a ________ glaze to add a sharp, fruity contrast.

Correct!

The correct answer is: blackcurrant

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inpathtion

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dishabment

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C1

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