Fruit
Big Ben
A tier
Big Ben is a modern large-berried black currant aimed at fresh eating as well as processing—berries can approach grape size for the crop, with slightly sweeter balance than old sharp juice types when tree-ripe. Aroma remains true currant. Attractive for pick-your-own and premium fresh punnets in black-currant cultures. Eat a few raw if you enjoy aromatic tartness; otherwise jam and freeze. Birds target the showy fruit—net early. Compare sweetness only at full black colour. Commercial juice makers may still prefer higher-acid industrial cultivars for concentrate strength.
Track this ingredient
Characteristics
Preparations
Traits
History
Big Ben was released for large-fruit fresh and dual-purpose markets.
PYO farms planted Big Ben for consumer appeal.
Retail trials tested large black currants as fresh specialty fruit.
Big Ben remained a named large-berry option in nursery lists.