Blackcurrant Superfruit

We all know that fruits are super in one way or another, but it has now been announced that the humble blackcurrant is the top superfruit. This British berry was judged to be more nutritious that many other fruits including blueberries and goji berries (what are these?!).

This is the conclusion of analysis carried out by the Scottish Crop Research Institute. The blackcurrant contains more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than 20 other fruits tested. Apparently there are compounds in the berry called anthocyanins which can help prevent a myriad of ailments, including MRSA infection and diabetes. The fruit is also supposed to be effective in fighting cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's.

Two thoughts occur to me. Has anyone told the NHS about this? There is no longer any need to expensively disinfect away MRSA, just make sure that the patients are drinking gallons of blackcurrant juice. And secondly, don't go dashing down to the supermarket to buy this panacea of health, go to to your nearest garden centre and buy your own blackcurrant bush. You can plant this anywhere in your allotment or garden.

A few tips. There are cultivars developed in Scotland known as the Ben series which possess increased resistance to cold temperatures. They also flower later than traditional cultivars such as "Baldwin" and "Wellington XXX" and so are more likely to survive spring frosts.

One year old plants are available, but only two year olds are certified disease free. It is advisable to buy a certified plant to avoid viruses to which blackcurrants are particularly prone.

One word of warning -don't spill any on that beige carpet in the lounge!

green shoots of hope

I read an article in the Metro on the train this morning that described modern yuppy allotmentors as the pak choi posse. According to a survey conducted by UKTV Gardens modern allotmentors are more likely to grow pak choi than peas.

The stats reveal that seven out of ten grow rocket, sixty five per cent mange tout (Rodney!), and over half grow chillies. Six in ten owners are under fifty five, and two thirds are working professionals.

The survey also found that eight in ten people grow their own to save money, two thirds to ensure it is organic, and fifteen per cent to show off. This popularity has lead to a ten year waiting list for allotments in some parts of the country. One negative was mentioned - twenty one per cent have has their plots vandalised.

So how typical am I?

Well I'm under fifty five, I grow rocket, I'm a working professional, I like to save money, I like organic, and I am a show off.

While we're at it I took a photo at the week-end so you can see how things are progressing, with the potatoes at least. I'll show you more shots as the season progresses.

Don't forget - I am a rank amateur - if I can do it then so can you - the secret is to copy your neighbours and to ask for advice - as a bunch of show offs they will be only too pleased to help out.