If you have been wondering exactly what blackcurrant cordial is, now is your chance to find out.
So What Exactly Is Blackcurrant Cordial?
Blackcurrant cordial, as you may have guessed, is a cordial made from a fruit called the blackcurrant.
But in order to make sense of that answer, you need to know what cordial is and what fresh blackcurrants are.
Cordial has a number of different definitions. It may refer to a sweetened and distilled spirit, a liqueur, which has a dessert-like quality and is very sweet.
Cordial can also refer to a syrupy nonalcoholic drink, generally made from fruit. This sense of the word “cordial” is used more frequently in the United Kingdom.
Yet another meaning of cordial signifies a medicinal tonic that is sweet and pleasant to the taste.
However, this meaning was used in the past but is no longer commonly used in present-day parlance.
The meaning of cordial when referring to blackcurrant cordial is primarily the second meaning, the nonalcoholic syrup drink made out of fruit.
And the fruit, in this case, is—you guessed it—the blackcurrant.
So what exactly is blackcurrant?
The blackcurrant or black currant is a sweet berry that is black in color that grows from a woody shrub that is commonly found in northern Europe, central Europe, and northern Asia.
The cool, temperate climate of the United Kingdom is especially great for growing blackcurrants.
The fruit has a tart, strong flavor.
So, in short, blackcurrant cordial generally refers to a sweet and syrupy nonalcoholic drink that is made from the blackcurrant, a berry that is black, tart, and strong in flavor and which possesses a great deal of Vitamin C.
Blackcurrant cordial can occasionally refer to an alcoholic cordial derived from the fruit of the blackcurrant, but that is not usually the case.
But that’s not all there is to know about blackcurrant cordial. Read on to find out more about this delicious beverage.
More About Blackcurrant Cordial
Blackcurrant cordial is a longstanding British tradition. In fact, Great Britain has cultivated blackcurrants since the 1600s.
Blackcurrants are basically the only fruit that grows well, thriving in the miserable, wet, and cold climate of the United Kingdom and offering the country an abundant source of Vitamin C.
The blackcurrant is indeed packed with Vitamin C.
In fact, according to this article in the Guardian, during World War II, when it was difficult to find Vitamin C sources, the British government took over nearly the entire crop of blackcurrants, made cordial out of them, and offered the cordial to British children for free in order to prevent them from developing scurvy.
Even today, the five thousand acres of blackcurrant bushes grown by farmers in Great Britain generate a staggering amount of approximately thirty thousand tons of blackcurrants.
And almost all of that blackcurrant crop (95 percent) is devoted to making blackcurrant cordial.
A popular drink, indeed!
Blackcurrant cordial is usually drunk in diluted form (since it is syrupy and difficult to drink as is).
Popular ways of drinking blackcurrant cordial include drinking it diluted with water, with champagne, or with sparkling or mineral water to create a sparkling water and sweet masterpiece.
The following is a recipe for blackcurrant cordial which yields a drink with a fresh taste.
The ingredient list for Homemade Blackcurrant Cordial
Step 1: In a pan with a heavy base, bring the blackcurrants, sugar, and water to a gentle simmer for five minutes.
Step 2: Use a potato masher to break up the blackcurrant mixture in the pan. The potato masher will release as much blackcurrant juice as possible.
Step 3: Add the citric acid to the pan and simmer the mix for another two minutes.
Step 4: Strain the mixture using muslin and collect the liquid you extract into a bottle that has been sterilized. You should keep the blackcurrant cordial in your fridge.
The above recipe was created by Henry Dimbleby and Jane Baxter.
Another Great Blackcurrant Cordial Recipe
Best blackcurrant cordial
There are many options available in the market.
Schweppes Blackcurrant Cordial is a non-alcoholic drink mix made with blackcurrant juice and sugar, typically mixed with water to create a fruity and sweet beverage. It is a popular beverage option for those who prefer a sweeter taste and is often enjoyed as a refreshing drink, especially on warm days.
Britvic Blackcurrant Cordial is a non-alcoholic concentrate made from blackcurrant juice, sugar, and other ingredients. It is typically mixed with water to create a sweet and fruity drink. Britvic is a well-known brand of soft drinks and cordials, and their blackcurrant cordial is a popular choice for those who prefer a sweeter taste. The concentrate can be stored for an extended period of time, making it a convenient beverage option for families and individuals.
What is blackcurrant juice made from?
Blackcurrant juice, like blackcurrant cordial, is also made from blackcurrants.
However, unlike blackcurrant cordial, blackcurrant juice is usually not as thick or syrupy and instead has the consistency of a normal fruit juice, such as cranberry juice or apple juice.
Blackcurrant juice is frequently combined with the juice of other fruits, such as cranberries, and sweet berries.
Besides the fruits and fruit syrups themselves, other common ingredients in blackcurrant juice include water and sugar.
Also, while blackcurrant cordial may occasionally (albeit rarely) refer to an alcoholic beverage derived from blackcurrants, blackcurrant juice basically never refers to fizzy drinks that are alcoholic.
It is a fruit juice in every sense of the word.
Drinking blackcurrant juice yields similar health benefits to drinking blackcurrant cordial, since blackcurrants are loaded with Vitamin C as well as anthocyanins and antioxidants.
So if you are low on Vitamin C and in danger of contracting scurvy, then drinking blackcurrant juice will cure you just as readily as drinking blackcurrant cordial would.
Is drinking cordial bad for you?
Drinking cordial is not generally considered bad for you.
If the cordial you are drinking is alcoholic, then there may be some health risks involved due to the consumption of alcohol, such as the temporary impairment of your judgment and motor functions as well as damage to your liver over a long period of time.
However, if the cordial you are drinking is nonalcoholic (as blackcurrant cordial generally will be) then the health risks associated with drinking cordial are relatively minimal.
Due to the fact that blackcurrants are loaded with Vitamin C as well as anthocyanins and antioxidants, drinking blackcurrant cordial may even be considered healthy for you and will prevent you from developing scurvy.
Unfortunately, due to the sweetness and high sugar content of blackcurrant cordial and most other cordials, there are some health risks associated with drinking these Delicious Drinks.
Frequent consumption of too much sugar in soft drinks can place individuals at a higher risk for diabetes and a host of other health conditions.
This is also the case for other sugary delicious drinks such as regular real fruit juices like fresh lemon juice and fruity drinks. These sugary drinks can cause worse health conditions.
So, although blackcurrant cordials and other cordials generally possess a high amount of Vitamin C, mcg Vitamin, Sodium Benzoate, and other antioxidants, it is still best not to drink too much cordial at once, since the high sugar content may place you at greater risk for diabetes.
But if you enjoy blackcurrant cordial, drinking it a few times a week won’t do you much harm and will provide you with an excellent dose of much-needed Vitamin C, anthocyanins, and antioxidants.
Is blackcurrant juice good for you?
Black currant (frozen blackcurrants, and hot blackcurrant) can be used to make cordial, juice, and other beverages. It is high in Vitamin C, anthocyanins, and antioxidants. It can also be baked into things such as muffins and cakes.
It will help to strengthen the immune system and may even help with common ills such as the cold or flu. Always consult a doctor for any medical advice though!
Is blackcurrant squash good for you?
Blackcurrant squash is a concentrated syrup made from blackcurrants, a type of berry native to Europe and North America.
Blackcurrants are a rich source of antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, anthocyanins, and polyphenols. These compounds can help protect against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. The concentration of antioxidants in blackcurrant squash is likely to be high, due to the concentration of the berries used to make the syrup.
In addition to its antioxidant content, blackcurrant squash is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B1, B2, and B6, as well as potassium and calcium. These nutrients are essential for maintaining overall health and wellness and can help support the function of the heart, bones, and nervous system.
It is important to note, however, that blackcurrant squash is also high in sugar, which can contribute to weight gain and increased risk of type 2 diabetes if consumed in excess.
Is apple and blackcurrant juice good for you?
Apple and blackcurrant juice can be a nutritious and delicious beverage that provides several health benefits.
Apples are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and are known for their high antioxidant content. They contain vitamins C and K, potassium, and phytochemicals such as quercetin and catechins, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Blackcurrants are also a nutritious berry that is rich in antioxidants, including anthocyanins and vitamin C. They also contain other nutrients such as potassium, calcium, and vitamin B6.
When combined, apple and blackcurrant juice can provide a blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can support overall health and wellness. Drinking the juice can help hydrate the body, boost the immune system, and protect against oxidative stress.
It is important to note, however, that fruit juices can also be high in sugar, even when made with natural ingredients. The sugar in juice is absorbed quickly by the body, leading to a rapid increase in blood sugar levels.
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