These thorny shrubs can grow up to 1.5 m tall. They have characteristic, small, lobed leaves with notched edges. Sharp thorns protrude from the shoots at the base of each leaf.
Thorns may also grow in the internodes of the plant's stems. The gooseberry's flowers are small, gathered in hanging clusters. Depending on the variety, they may be white, yellow or dark pink. They bloom in April and May, attracting pollinating insects to our garden.
Gooseberry fruits are berries - depending on the variety, they can be yellow, reddish, or the most famous - green. They are usually covered with glandular hairs, but there are smooth-skinned varieties on the market. It has slightly transparent flesh.
Gooseberries are related to currants, which are much more popular than them. Initially, it could be found in forest areas in Europe and Asia, from where the shrub spread to other areas.
Currently, gooseberry can be found growing wild and in gardens. This shrub, usually growing to a small or medium size, is characterized by shoots covered with thorns. Its edible fruits are small.
Its properties and nutritional values were the first to be discovered by the inhabitants of southern and central Europe, the Caucasus, northern Africa and North America, because that is where it comes from.
Berries.
Inconspicuous fruits are of great importance for maintaining health. Gooseberries have antibacterial properties and a slight laxative effect, which supports the body in removing toxins.
Including gooseberries in your diet, thanks to the presence of lutein, will help protect your eyesight against the harmful effects of UV radiation and macular degeneration. Gooseberries are a fruit that is worth including in the diet of picky eaters due to their appetite-stimulating properties.
Vitamin A contained in gooseberries increases the network of blood vessels, thanks to which more oxygen and nutrients reach the skin through blood.
Gooseberries are an excellent source of antioxidants. The antioxidants present in gooseberries may play an important role in the prevention of chronic diseases by counteracting oxidative stress.
Gooseberries are also a great source of fiber. Fiber can help, among other things: in better control of blood sugar levels and lowering the level of "bad" cholesterol.
A diet that includes adequate amounts of fiber has been linked to a lower risk of developing certain cancers, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.
As nutritionists point out, gooseberries are a low-calorie product, which, combined with the high fiber content, makes it easier to control body weight. It is worth reaching for them when we want to lose unnecessary kilograms. Gooseberries can also be consumed by people with diabetes.
It's not just about the effect of fiber. Gooseberry extract has an inhibitory effect on alpha-glucosidase, and chlorogenic acid slows down the absorption of carbohydrates.
Gooseberries, like other berries that provide compounds with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, are recommended for the dietary prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. Gooseberries are also good for the heart.
The properties of potassium, which gooseberries are also a source, are also important for the heart. The effects of individual vitamins and minerals cannot also be ignored.
Vitamin C is also involved in the synthesis of collagen and supports immunity, vitamin B5 is also important for immunity, but also supports the regeneration of mucous membranes and skin and improves hair pigmentation, and vitamin B6 has a protective effect on the circulatory and nervous systems.
Copper, among others takes part in the absorption of iron in the digestive tract, and also participates in the formation and proper functioning of red blood cells. In turn, manganese is necessary for the proper functioning of the central nervous system and affects reproductive processes.
Gooseberries are one of the fruits with the highest lutein content. This group of fruits also includes nectarines, blackberries, avocados, kiwi, raspberries and black currants. Lutein is a carotenoid - strong antioxidant and pigment.
The most carotenoids can be found in the red variety of gooseberries, slightly less in the green variety, and the least - in the white variety. Lutein can prevent chronic diseases, mainly cardiovascular diseases, cancer and eye diseases (especially macular degeneration).
Lutein is recommended for people who overuse their eyesight, e.g. working for long periods of time at a computer or watching TV. In addition, this compound acts as a natural filter that protects the eye against UVA and UVB radiation. Lutein is most often concentrated in the peel and pulp of fruits and vegetables.
Gooseberries contain acids - malic and citric - and pectin, which support digestion. Gooseberries are especially recommended for people who struggle with constipation, flatulence and other digestive ailments.
In the first case, dried fruit will especially help. Dried gooseberries can be mixed with tea leaves or brewed on their own.
Gooseberries contain a lot of magnesium and B vitamins, which support the nervous system, improve memory and concentration, and alleviate the symptoms of stress.
Gooseberries support the functioning of the urinary system and help cleanse the body of toxins.
Gooseberries are rich in alkalizing substances and help maintain the acid-base balance in the body. Therefore, it can be included in the alkaline diet menu.
Gooseberries contain a large amount of fiber, which inhibits the absorption of glucose, protecting against sudden fluctuations in its concentration in the blood.
Preliminary in vitro studies indicate that gooseberry extract binds to special enzymes in the small intestine, limiting the absorption of glucose from the intestinal lumen into the bloodstream. In addition, chlorogenic acid slows down the absorption of carbohydrates.
Gooseberries contain organic acids that reduce the accumulation of iron in cells. Thanks to this, it reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and stroke. The antioxidants present in gooseberries have a beneficial effect on slowing down the development of age-related neurodegenerative brain diseases.
Antioxidants present in gooseberries limit the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, inhibiting the development of atherosclerosis. Flavonols and anthocyanins lower blood pressure and improve the elasticity of blood vessels. Potassium regulates blood pressure, which is also important for reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Studies conducted in vitro and in animal models indicate that anthocyanins present in gooseberries inhibit the growth of cancer cells and may also reduce the risk of their formation, among others, in the colon, pancreas and breast.
Antioxidants counteract damage resulting from oxidative stress, which causes inflammation. Exposure to chronic oxidative stress promotes the development of cancer.
Gooseberries have a beneficial effect on metabolism and are low-calorie - one handful (50 g) provides only 22 kcal. Moreover, gooseberries have a low glycemic index of 15. Therefore, people with diabetes can safely consume them.
Gooseberry fruits can be eaten raw, including for cakes and desserts, preserves, compotes and tinctures, although this mainly depends on the time of their collection.
The green gooseberry, whose fruit has a hard skin, is perfect for preparing jams, preserves and jellies. Slightly riper ones are recommended for making juices and marmalades.
In turn, fully ripe gooseberries that have already become sweet are best eaten raw. It contains a lot of pectin, so it is perfect for jellies.
Gooseberries are also used in cosmetics. It is an excellent source of antioxidants such as lutein, vitamin A and C, which delay the skin aging process.
The gooseberry plant will bear fruit best in a sunny position, although it can also tolerate partial shade. Good lighting of fruit is necessary for their proper ripening.
We should provide gooseberries with fertile, humus-rich and moderately moist soil. The shrubs can be planted in sandy and clay soil, but we must remember that these plants do not tolerate drought well. As with most berry plants, a slightly acidic soil pH (approx. 6.5) is suitable for gooseberries.
Since gooseberry plants will grow in the same place for many years, we should try our best to supply the soil with nutrients and provide them with the best conditions for growth. Before planting, we thoroughly dig up the soil, paying particular attention to removing perennial weeds.
Gooseberry plants are currently available in most garden stores in the form of seedlings in pots. We can plant such plants all season long (however, the best planting time is always autumn).
We plant the bushes so that they have enough space to grow and do not "take away" sunlight - at a spacing of approximately 1.5 m.
We must remember to water the bushes systematically - only those that have enough water will bear fruit. However, gooseberries do not like too much humidity - be careful not to over water the plants.
We cut the plants before the vegetation begins - in February and March.
We shape the bush so that it has a slightly loose shape.
Gooseberries bear fruit best on short shoots growing from 2- and 3-year-old shoots, so older shoots should be removed.
Also remember to remove weak shoots - they can be easily infected by diseases and lie on the ground.
The ideal situation is for the bush to have the same number of shoots of different ages - preferably four one-, two-, three- and four-year-old shoots.
Cutting fruit bushes is the most important and most complicated part of their care. It is extremely important to cut properly and not damage the plant. In the case of gooseberries, pruning is necessary to obtain good yield of the plant.
Gooseberries provide some protein, fat, and carbohydrates, including fiber. Its small fruits are a source of large amounts of vitamin C, vitamins A and E, and B vitamins.
It is rich in minerals such as zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron and calcium. Contains fruit acids and pectin necessary for proper digestion. Gooseberries contain only 41 kcal per 100 g, so you can safely eat them while on a diet.
Gooseberries are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including: vitamin C, which is the most famous antioxidant. In addition, flavonols (quercetin, myricetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin) and anthocyanins, also with antioxidant activity.
They provide vitamin B5 and vitamin B6, as well as copper, manganese and potassium. As mentioned before they are a rich source of dietary fiber. One glass of fruit (150 g) is a large dose - 4.5 g. At the same time, they have few calories - 100 g is approximately 46 kcal.
The GI value varies depending on the variety. For gooseberries it is 15-25, which means that these fruits have a low glycemic index.
The high nutritional density of gooseberries makes them eagerly recommended by dieticians, especially to people on reducing diets, as an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.
Gooseberries are very healthy, but in this case there are people who should not so willingly reach for them. Gooseberries can be consumed by people with diabetes and people on a reducing diet.
However, caution should be exercised by, among others: people suffering from stomach and duodenal ulcers, colitis, and those with kidney disease. It is best for people with these conditions to consult a doctor.
Summer is the perfect time to prepare preserves. These fruits are somewhat forgotten, but it is worth eating them because they have a good effect on both health and beauty. Gooseberry juice also helps reduce fever. Check out a simple recipe for gooseberry juice that you can make at home.
Drink gooseberry juice whenever you have a fever. This drink has anti-inflammatory properties. This is not the only advantage of drinking this healthy drink. How else does it affect the body?
Gooseberry juice lowers "bad" cholesterol and also reduces blood pressure. In addition, it has a diuretic, laxative and antioxidant effect.
It is worth drinking gooseberry juice because it supports digestive processes and strengthens the condition of the joints, alleviating degeneration. In addition, it can relieve stress.
First, wash the gooseberries and peel them from the stalks. Then pour water over the fruit (they must be slightly covered).
In the next step, cook the whole thing over low heat until the fruit softens. Then strain the juice into a new pot, first placing a sieve over it. It is recommend squeezing the juice thoroughly with a spoon.
Then add any sweetener (white sugar, birch sugar or erythritol) and mix until the white crystals dissolve.
Pasteurization is necessary if you want to stock up on juice for fall and winter. Then, first, pour the liquid into jars and close them tightly, and cover the bottom of the pot with a cotton cloth.
Then place the dishes at the bottom of the pot and fill them with water up to 3/4 of the height. Boil the jars with gooseberry juice for 20 minutes and finally cool them down. Store preserves in a dark and cool place.
