What Is a Substitute for Currant Jelly?

Currants are berries that grow in grape-like bunches. Given its similar appearance to raisins, the fruit's name is derived from the Greek word for small, dried grapes. Currant jelly is common in Great Britain, but cooks in other countries may need a more readily available substitute.

Currant Varieties

Currants come in several varieties---red, pink white and black. Currant jelly comes in red and black varieties, but they are very similar in color and flavor.

Relatives

Currants are related to gooseberries, which are also tart and grape-like fruits. Unless it's homemade, gooseberry jam can also be difficult to find in grocery stores.

Grapes

Concord grape jelly is a readily available substitute for currant jelly, although it does not have the exact same tartness or depth of flavor as currants.

Muscadine

Muscadines are wild grapes native to the southern United States, and the flavor of muscadine jelly is similar to that of currant jelly. As with gooseberry jam, however, muscadine jelly may not be readily available in most grocery stores.

Apple

Three parts apple jelly mixed with one part lemon juice will approximate the tartness of currant jelly. Its flavor, however, is less mild than currant jelly.

References

• Cook's Thesaurus: Preserves & Fruit Butters
• California Rare Fruit Growers: Currants

Resources

• Gastronomer's Guide: Seedless Red Currant Jelly
• LSU Agricultural Center: The Tasty Muscadine
• Tribeca Yummy Mummy: Mother's Gooseberry Jam