Black Currant Bud Absolute Oil

A delicious and aromatic fruit, black currants are treasured for their scent and taste. The fragrant quality of these berries make them a perfect component in natural fragrance blends, including the plant-based scents of Beaverton’s naturally derived cold process soap bars.

Black currants ; Image: Encyclopedia Britannica

Black currants are small dark purple berries that grow on a deciduous shrub native to Europe and Asia. The berries are known for their tart flavour and are used in a variety of culinary applications, including jams, jellies, juices, and liqueurs. In addition to their culinary uses, black currants have been valued for their potential health benefits, often being used in herbal remedies and dietary supplements.

Flowers of the black currant plant ; Image: Wikipedia/Alinja

The history of black currants begins in ancient times, with their use in traditional medicine and cuisine stretching as far back as the Roman Empire. In medieval Europe, black currants were prized for their purported medicinal properties. During the 17th and 18th centuries, black currants gained popularity in England and France where they were used in various food preparations, including preserves and the famous liqueur “crème de cassis”. The cultivation of black currants faced a significant setback in the early 20th century when the U.S. government banned their growing due to their role in spreading white pine blister rust, a disease affecting pine forests. The ban was lifted in the 1960s, allowing for a resurgence in black currant cultivation.

A bottle of crème de cassis ; Image: LCBO/Elora Distilling

Today, black currants are celebrated not only for their distinctive flavour but also as an ingredient in health products. The natural compounds found in black currants make them a popular addition to many herbal supplements. Black currants are renowned for their high content of antioxidants, including flavonoids like quercetin and rutin, as well as anthocyanins, which are responsible for the fruits’ colour. The berries also contain a significant amount of vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health. Additionally, black currants are abundant in gamma-linolenic acid, which has antiinflammatory properties and supports the cardiovascular system.

Structural diagrams of various flavonoid compounds ;

Image: ResearchGate/Georgiana Drețcanu

In the culinary world, black currant is used to create flavorful syrups, and sauces that add a unique tartness and vibrant colour to dishes and desserts. Its versatility extends to beverages, where black currant juice is a popular choice for adding a bold, fruity note to drinks. In the realm of personal care and home goods, black currant's aromatic qualities make it a favourite in scented candles, perfumes, and soaps. When incorporated into premium soap formulations, black currant provides a unique and alluring fragrance which offers both a refreshing burst of fruitiness and a hint of complexity. The fruit's attractive aromatic profile is due to natural compounds like alpha-pinene and beta-caryophyllene, which contribute to its complex and distinctive scent.

Beaverton's Berry Good soap bar, which highlights the scent of black currants.

The rich, deep notes of black currant bring a touch of sophistication to daily skin care. Perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life, the black currant-scented handmade soaps from Beaverton’s turn everyday rituals into a lavish fruity treat.