Autumnal highlights: Meet a sour bush

As part of Westonbirt's activities for families this October, Caroline Bennett from our Learning and Participation Team has created a trail of autumnal highlights which will run from 29 October - 2 November. Here are some of the fascinating facts she has researched...

The golden currant from the America has many names; buffalo currant (apparently because it grows on the same prairies that buffalo roam) and clove currant (due to its spice-scented spring flowers.)

It is a member of the Ribes family that includes other edible fruits such as black currant and gooseberry. This name may come from the Arabic 'ribas‘, meaning acidic because of the sour fruit.

The family name also gave rise to the well-known black currant drink. High in vitamin C, black currant juice was given as a vitamin C supplement in schools and nursing homes during World War Two.

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