Gillian Vine's belief in blackcurrants gets scientific backing.
Isn't it great that some things we enjoy are good for us?
Take blackcurrants, an easy-to-grow soft fruit that ripens in January. Recent research has confirmed 2016 findings that New Zealand blackcurrants are a "super fruit'' for those with an active lifestyle.
"As people live longer, foods and ingredients that will support a healthy lifestyle are becoming increasingly in demand,'' Dr Roger Hurst, of Plant & Food Research, said.
"Our research over the last few years suggests that New Zealand blackcurrants can support multiple aspects of an active lifestyle, providing people with the right mindset and motivation to exercise as well as supporting the inherent health benefits of regular exercise.''
Good news for the somewhat sluggish is that it doesn't have to be vigorous exercise. Some did a gentle walking exercise, designed not to result in what the scientists called "exercise exertion''. After drinking blackcurrant juice, they voluntarily exercised for longer and reported a more positive mood during the activity.
Previous research by Plant & Food Research has found that anthocyanin-rich extracts from New Zealand-grown blackcurrants improve exercise recovery by managing exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammation, improving immunity and minimising muscle damage.
The research was undertaken using unpasteurised fresh juice and a commercially prepared juice concentrate but not products found in the supermarket, such as cordials.
"More research is under way to understand the impact of processing and shelf life on juice properties and possible bioactives. We can't be certain manufactured products like Barker's syrups will have the same benefits until they have been fully evaluated,'' a Plant & Food Research spokesman said.
There are three kinds of currants: black (Ribes nigrum), red (R. rubrum) and white (an albino form of redcurrant).
Easily grown from cuttings taken in summer, currant bushes are long-lived and blackcurrants can be grown on a single stem with a "puff ball'' top, making an attractive central feature for a small plot.
They are greedy, so be generous with rotted animal manure. When pruning, take into account that this year's blackcurrant growth will carry next season's fruit, while red and whitecurrants fruit on old wood.
Blackcurrants have about three times as much vitamin C as oranges. Redcurrants have about one-third as much as black, but are a good source of vitamin B, while whitecurrants have low vitamin levels.
This summer, I plan to do my own version of the exercise-related research - grazing on ripe blackcurrants before I get stuck into weeding.
It may not be very scientific but it will be enjoyable.
