The Jostabeere, also known as Jochelbeere, is a relatively new breed of black currant and gooseberry. The bushes grow very large and sprawling, and they also bear plenty of fruit. The almost black berries taste sweet and sour, but are milder than their parent species. Jostaberries also contain a lot of vitamin C.
Recommended Varieties
The still quite young fruit is already available in different varieties, which differ in terms of the size of the plants and the size of the fruit. There are also early-flowering and therefore earlier-ripening varieties. The berries do not ripen at the same time, which is why the harvest period extends from July into autumn.
The most important varieties at a glance
- Josta - The early flowering shrub already has the first ripe berries at the end of June. "Josta" grows tall and very spreading, the bushes need a distance of at least 2.50 meters. The rather sour-tasting berries are also larger than in other varieties.
- Jocheline - This jostaberry variety also flowers and ripens early. The fruits are dark purple to black and taste strongly of currants.
- Jogranda - This variety is comparatively small and is therefore also suitable for small gardens. But it has all the bigger berries, which ripen from the beginning of July. Jogranda is particularly robust.
- Jostine - On the other hand, this Jolberry variety grows very strong and sprawling. Its fruits ripen at the beginning of July, are very aromatic and of medium size. They are dark purple to black in color.
- Jonova - The jostaberry variety Jonova is also well suited for rather small gardens. It does not grow as vigorously as other varieties and bears wine-red to dark red, relatively large fruits from the beginning of July. In contrast to the other varieties, however, these ripen almost at the same time.
- Rikö - This is a very fast-growing, robust variety with relatively large, extremely aromatic and dark berries.
What can you make with jostaberries?
Jostaberries are ideal for direct consumption, but can also be cooked in jams, jellies and juices. They are also delicious as a compote, as a topping on cakes or tarts and raw in muesli or yoghurt. They also freeze well and will keep in the freezer for about three to six months. Jostaberries can also be mixed with other berries, for example for a multi-fruit jam or a red fruit jelly.
tips and tricks
Why not try a fruity summer smoothie with all sorts of ingredients from your garden. Depending on your taste, you can wash berries and other fruits and vegetables, chop them up, mix them together and puree them. Fill the fruit - about 250 grams - with about 200 ml of orange juice or water.