Red currant – Jonkheer van Tets - Ribes rubrum

The Jonkheer Van Tets** red currant is an excellent berry variety that is highly valued by fruit growers for its attractive appearance, sweet-tart flavor, and rich nutrient profile. This variety was developed in the 1940s in the Netherlands and has since spread worldwide.

**Growth Characteristics:**
The **Jonkheer Van Tets** currant bush is medium-sized, typically growing to a height of about 1 to 1.5 meters. The branches are strong and flexible, allowing for dense branching. The leaves are dark green and medium-sized, creating a beautiful, bushy form. The shrub adapts well to different soil conditions but thrives best in nutrient-rich, well-drained soils. The **Jonkheer Van Tets** variety is frost-resistant, enabling it to be successfully grown under a variety of climatic conditions.

**Fruit Specifications:**
The red currants of this variety are medium-sized, usually weighing between 0.5 and 1 gram. Their bright red color gives them an appealing appearance. Beneath the firm, smooth skin lies a sweet-tart flavor that is particularly refreshing and flavorful. These berries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and valuable minerals such as potassium and magnesium. Due to these attributes, the **Jonkheer Van Tets** currant is not only delicious but also an extremely healthy choice.

**Uses:**
The **Jonkheer Van Tets** currant is versatile in its applications. When consumed fresh, the berries make for an excellent snack, but they are also fantastic for making jams, jellies, syrups, and juices. The currants pair perfectly with desserts, cakes, and fruit salads. Additionally, the berries can be used to prepare various beverages, such as cocktails and smoothies, where they add fresh flavors to the mix.

**Growing Requirements:**
The **Jonkheer Van Tets** currant is a sun-loving plant that grows best in sunny, well-ventilated locations. The soil should be nutrient-rich and well-draining, as currants are sensitive to water stagnation. Ideally, the soil pH should be between 6.0 and 6.8 to optimize nutrient uptake for the plant. Regular watering, especially during the flowering and fruit development stages, is crucial for ensuring a bountiful harvest.

**Harvesting:**
Harvesting typically occurs in the summer, especially during July and August. The ripeness of the fruits can be assessed by their color and taste; the sweetest and juiciest berries are generally bright red and easily plucked from the bush. Ripe fruits should be harvested carefully by hand to minimize damage, as the berries can easily bruise.

**Benefits:**
The **Jonkheer Van Tets** red currant exhibits excellent resistance to diseases and pests, making cultivation relatively hassle-free. The average yield can range from 3 to 6 tons per hectare, providing economically viable options for fruit growers.

In summary, the **Jonkheer Van Tets** red currant is not only a tasty and nutritious choice but also an easy-to-grow plant that is of interest to both hobby gardeners and professional fruit growers. Its health benefits paired with its delicious flavor make it a valuable addition to any garden or orchard.