Definition: Aalbes = A collective term for red-, white- and blackcurrants.
This feisty little fruit is native to Northern Europe and jam packed with vitamin C. In fact, red- and whitecurrants have about 100 mg of vitamin C per kilo, compared to raspberries, which have 50 mg. Blackcurrants have even more vitamin C, with a whopping 1500 mg per kilo, which explains their tartness.
The aalbes has been cultivated in the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark since the 16th century. The redcurrant is called rode bes, the whitecurrant goes by witte aalbes and the blackcurrant is named zwarte bes.
Because these fruits are so tart, I'd recommend eating them with milder fruits, such as mango or banana or with custards or yoghurts. I serve red currants with my Raspberry Hangop, for instance.
Also Known As: Rode bes (redcurrants); Zwarte bes (blackcurrants);Witte aalbes (whitecurrants)
