gooseberries - where are they?

[hlao23]

I LOVE gooseberries! One of the May recipes got me thinking about them.

Does anyone have any idea why you can't buy them in the store like blackberries, blueberries, etc? We used to have a bush in our backyard. We never had to touch it (except to put net over it - stupid birds) and it always had tons of wonderful berries. Maybe we shouldn't have moved. I didn't need to go back to college. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif

I've never seen the bushes for sail either.

In case anyone is wondering, they look kind of like little purple basketballs, about the size of a blueberry and taste similar to kiwi.

[aka]

I have fond memories of gooseberries too. We also used to have a bush at my parents house and it was grand to just pick and eat away.

I remember seeing gooseberries at an up-scale grocery store once or twice when I lived in Toronto. Maybe there is something similar in your area? Or maybe a Farmer's Market?

When are gooseberries in season anyway?

Lilia

[schuh]

I remember gooseberries, but I remember them being green! The were quite sour -- was I eating them when they weren't ripe? My grandmother had them growing near her grapes. What a great memory.
I've never seen them in a store.

[Grace]

We get gooseberries here occasionally in the summer (in the grocery store). They are green, not purple, and yes if you eat them green, they are not really ripe, but they can be eaten green (I used to), or you can wait until they turn purple and they're much sweeter. My grandma had a bush in her yard too. I once saw the bushes being sold at my garden center, but I didn't get one because I don't have enough room for it. I planted a currant bush a few years back in the only spot big enough for a berry bush!

I would ask your garden center. They may have it somewhere in a corner, or maybe be able to order one for you. Or do a search on the internet - there is most likely a mail order source for a bare root bush. Actually, I just ran one, and here is a source that has a whole bunch of varieties of gooseberry bushes for sale, and they cost $8.50!!
http://whitmanfarms.com/catalog.html

I know that if you search, there will also be sources that can send you just the berries when they come in season. Good luck, and I hope you find what you're looking for!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by Grace (edited 04-16-2001).]

[mlou]

So, how do we know which kind are the ones we all remember fondly? My parents had a bush also and I too would love to have a bush or two. I also remember tham being green an looking like mini watermelons. Couldn't eat enough http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif We need to solve this mystery!!!!!!!!

[Grace]

All the varieties are still gooseberries, just like you remember them. The differences would be some are probably hardier in the northern climates than some of the other varieties, some probably produce bigger or smaller fruits, etc., but they are all gooseberries. Maybe if you e-mail the company they can give you some guideance on which one to order. Tell them what you remember specifically about the ones you had as a kid, and they should be able to direct you to the right variety.

[beejayw1]

In addition to Grace's link for gooseberries, here's another for various varieties:
http://www.myseasons.com/shop/list.cfm?List=SEARCH&Keywords=gooseberr&Boolean=AND&x=12&y=4

Hope this is helpful.

Beej
I've just bought a house and at last - At Last! - can plant a vegetable garden...and roses...and lilacs... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/cool.gif