Black Currant Crowned McCormick’s 2026 Flavor of the Year
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McCormick & Company, a leading spice and flavorings producer, has announced black currant as its 2026 Flavor of the Year . The company cites the berry’s “bold, sophisticated flavor” and versatility as key factors in its selection, anticipating its widespread use in culinary creations.
A History Shrouded in Restriction
Despite its rising prominence, the story of the blackcurrant in the United States is marked by a surprising past.From 1911 to 1966, the cultivation, sale, and transport of blackcurrant plants were federally prohibited. This ban stemmed from concerns that the plant acted as a host for Ribes hibernicum,a fungus that threatened the nation’s white pine forests . The government prioritized protecting the timber industry, leading to the suppression of blackcurrant cultivation.
Wisconsin lifted its state-level ban in 1966, aligning with the federal decision to allow states to regulate the plant. Interestingly, while largely unknown in the U.S. during this period, blackcurrant flourished as a popular flavor in Europe, notably in the United Kingdom. Even today, the flavor profiles of popular candies differ between the two continents; while the purple Skittle in the U.S. is grape-flavored, its U.K. counterpart boasts the taste of blackcurrant.
The savanna Institute and the blackcurrant Revival
The selection of blackcurrant as Flavor of the Year has been welcomed by organizations like the Savanna Institute, a non-profit dedicated to agroforestry research and the promotion of perennial crops . Jacob grace, Public Relations Manager, and Lily Hislop, blackcurrant and elderberry breeder, from the Savanna Institute, discussed the potential of the fruit on WPR’s “The Larry Meiller Show.”
The Savanna Institute focuses on the benefits of perennial crops like blackcurrant,emphasizing thier role in sustainable agriculture. These plants offer multiple advantages, including fruit and nut production, wildlife habitat creation, windbreaks, and livestock shelter.
Growing Blackcurrants: A Gardener’s Guide
Blackcurrant plants are well-suited to the climate of Wisconsin and are relatively easy to grow. Hislop notes that blackcurrants thrive in cooler temperatures and can tolerate temperatures well below freezing, but prefer to avoid prolonged heat exposure (above 100°F).They flourish in both full sun and partial shade and require a soil pH between 5 and 8.
While the berries can be eaten fresh, they are frequently enough best utilized in jams, jellies, and other processed forms. A mature blackcurrant plant can yield between 2 and 10 pounds of fruit per bush, depending on growing conditions and care.
Where to Find Blackcurrant Plants
For those interested in cultivating blackcurrant, Canopy Farm Management, a sister association of the Savanna Institute, offers retail nurseries access to two varieties: ‘Savanna Zing’ and ‘Savanna Zap’ . These varieties are known for their flavorful flavor and high yields.
Looking Ahead
The savanna Institute’s Perennial Farm Gathering, held annually in Dubuque, Iowa (march 11-13, 2026), provides an opportunity to learn more about growing perennial crops like blackcurrant . As interest in sustainable agriculture and unique flavors grows, blackcurrant is poised to become a significant ingredient in kitchens and gardens alike.