10 Best Substitute for Currants

Currants as a fruit generally dried fruit made from a type of grape called Zante. Their application and use in the kitchen knows no bounds since they can be used literally to address every need in the kitchen

They are known for their lovely and sweet flavor which is very much needed in adding a spice and flavor to baked goods. However, it isn’t just limited to baked goods only, since it can also be a wonderful addition to many recipes.

But in instances where the currants are nowhere to be found both in the local grocery stores and marketplaces in the neighborhood, one might be left with no other option other than shifting their attention to available Substitutes

So should there be any scenerio where you just cannot seem to find currants in the local store or marketplace, or perhaps you just want to change taste and try something different, well below have been outlined some of the best alternatives for currants that you can use in any recipe.

10 Best Substitute for Currants

1. Raisins

Raisins slots in perfectly as one of the best substitute for currants due to its easy accessibility in local stores and marketplaces. Though it might not relatively share the same flavor profile as the currants, it does share similar levels of sweetness.

Raisins are widely known for their intense flavor profile which goes and blends well with sweet baked goods and savory dishes like fruitcakes, lamb dishes, and breakfast yogurt.

2. Cranberries

Be it in its fresh or dried form, the cranberries can seamlessly replace the currants quite so easily. This is evident in the fact that they both share similarities in flavor and appearance, especially the red variety of the cranberries

Depending on your choice of use, the cranberries do usually appear sour. So it is recommended for users to add sugar before they put it into use in desserts and sweet recipes such as cakes, pies, oatmeal, muffins, and cookies.

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3. Dried Dates

Dried dates are primarily known for serving the purpose of being a natural sweetener in recipes all because of their intense sugary taste. The contrast in its profile with that of the currants doesn’t discard it from being an excellent substitute like the rest since they can also be used in place of currants in pie fillings, cakes, and pastries.

Additional benefits of making use of dry dates include the fact that you can as well cook them down on the stove to make a sweet sauce or syrup for desserts.

4. Cherries

Just as the case is with the aforementioned cranberries as well, be it in its fresh or dried form, the cherries can seamlessly replace the currants quite so easily, with an array of varieties known for their sour taste just as it is with currants as well.

Famous for their soft textures, the cherries are also known to be a perfect blend for baked goods, such as cakes, muffins, and scones. While on a few occasions, they can also be used as well in making cherry jams and even sauces to go with roasts.

5. Prunes

Prunes which are oftentimes regarded as dried plums, are a versatile and common option of a substitute for the currants in European and Middle Eastern dishes and are known for bringing rich, caramel-like flavor and a chewy texture to soups, roasted meats, baked goods, jellies, and ice creams.

There’s also the option of experimenting something out with the prunes as a chef, especially as it concerns enhancing its flavor by merely adding a pinch of dried sumac or tamarind to increase its tartness

6. Gooseberries

Coming in different shades of red, green, and gold, the gooseberries are yet another excellent substitute for currants due to their flavor profile, which is known for their blends of tartness with tropical sweetness, which is similar to the currants.

The gooseberries also go well with quite a few recipes as well, but it is more sweeter in savory dishes.

7. Blackberries

Blackberries come in next on our list of ideal substitutes to the currants for sharing the same similarities of being sweet, and tangy, just like the currants. The biggest advantage of having blackberries as an alternative option comes when it is being used in desserts and baked goods as the case may be.

Though there are also some instances where it can also be reduced into a thick sauce and drizzled over roasted meats.

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8. Chopped figs

Chopped figs known for its characteristics of being subtly sweet and have gotten as well a mildly nutty flavor, delicate taste and soft texture is also a considerable alternative to the currants particularly in baked goods.

Blessed with natural sweetness and chewy texture like in cookies, be rest assured that the chopped figs add a unique and rich flavor to your recipes

9. Golden raisins

Golden raisins locally referred to as sultanas, are one which when it comes to taste has gotten its sweetness on the intense side, and are excellent when it comes to slotting in seamlessly as a substitute for currants in baked goodies.

As established already that it is known for its intense sweetness, golden raisins are perfectly okay for making an appearance in sweet, spiced bakes like hot cross buns, as well as fruit salads

10. Jujubes

If you haven’t tried jujubes before, well it is about time you do now. These tiny red fruits are a game-changer. And just as it is with the flavor profile of the currants, the jujubes are also known to be sweet and tangy and come with quite a whole lot of packs of a punch of flavor.

Additionally, health-wise, the jujubes according to medical practitioners are also known to be fully packed and loaded with vitamin C and potassium to keep your immune system ever vibrant. Though on the bright side, it can also be put to use in sweet treats like cakes and candies.

Conclusion

In Conclusion, there’s no denying the fact that Currants are an excellent addition to a wide variety of recipes. The major issue lies in the fact that be it in its fresh or dried form, it is always hard to come by and find in any of the local stores in the neighborhood. Reasons why you might be left with no other option than to go after available Substitutes, a few of which have been mentioned above.