Prickly gooseberry (Ribes cynosbati) is a fuzzy wild currant. Spiky is more apt. Or something in between! Despite the soft flexible spikes on the fruit, it’s an edible and medicinal wild plant. And native to Ontario.
There are many Ribes spp. to feature from Ontario. A couple are gooseberries. Prickly gooseberry (Ribes cynosbati) is the common one, especially in moist woodlands, though it likes sandy soil too. I have some growing along my sandy driveway. Wild gooseberry (Ribes hirtellum) is uncommon here, and favors low, moist shrubby sites.
Edible Uses of Prickly Gooseberry
All wild currants are edible raw, cooked or dried. They are all high in pectin, so perfect for jam and jellies. Tart gooseberries are wonderful in fruit pies. And like cranberries can be added to turkey stuffing, used in baking, and all matter of desserts.
The young tender leaves can be used in salads.
Green berries can be collected and left to ripen. They are thirst quenching on the trail, but can be quite acidic. And as for our most common, prickly, put the ripe berries into a bag and rub until the prickles are off. Emphasis on ripe. They’ll brush off easily if your timing is right.
The fruit is similar looking to wild cucumber – make sure to learn the difference.
Medicinal Uses of Prickly Gooseberry
Prickly Gooseberry is primarily said to support these body systems:
- Digestive
- Integumentary
Medicinal tags include Astringent and Laxative. See Medicinal tag key for more information.
Common usage includes as a laxative and astringent wash or gargle.
Alternative Uses of Honeyblobs
The spikes can be used to remove some splinters.
Growing Ribes Cynosbati
Cuttings, seeds, or purchasing from native plant nurseries are all ways to obtain gooseberries.
For food, planting the less common native gooseberry (Ribes hirtellum) is recommended. For biodiversity and use by pollinators and wildlife, either are wonderful.
In rare areas, where pine is being farmed for pulp, planting Ribes spp. may be against the law because it can pass blister rust fungus to pine. For the same reason, best plant it and especially black currants away from your pine trees.
WARNINGS
Consume in moderation. Overdoing it can cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
And the Usual Cautions:
1) Most medicinal herbs, if edible, are meant to be eaten in moderation, even sparingly. Some require extra preparation. Tannins are toxic if consumed in excess. Before taking any new supplements, you should consult with a healthcare professional.
2) A vast amount of these herbs are diuretic. (See the Medicinal tags above to check if this featured herb is one of them!) Diuretics are generally safe, but they can be risky for people with other medical conditions or who take certain medications. Please consult your doctor if you have any health conditions.
3) People can be allergic or sensitive to nearly any plant; try new herbs one at a time at your own risk. For instance, saponins commonly cause stomach upset.
4) For serious medicinal use, I must recommend receiving a diagnosis and working with a reputed health care provider. I generally do not post specific treatments and dosages because I think that is best between you and your health care provider, and ideally monitored.
5) Anyone pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs should talk to a health care professional before adding new food items to their diet.
6) Many plants have look-a-likes, and sometimes they are poisonous.
#ads in References
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Every book I reference that is available on Amazon is linked to with an associates link.
Disclaimer for Song of the Woods
If you require any more information or have any questions about our site’s disclaimer, please feel free to contact us by email at rachel@songofthewoods.com.
Disclaimers for Song of the Woods
All the information on this website – https://www.songofthewoods.com/ – is published in good faith and for general information purpose only. Song of the Woods does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information you find on this website (Song of the Woods), is strictly at your own risk. Song of the Woods will not be liable for any losses and/or damages in connection with the use of our website.
From our website, you can visit other websites by following hyperlinks to such external sites. While we strive to provide only quality links to useful and ethical websites, we have no control over the content and nature of these sites. These links to other websites do not imply a recommendation for all the content found on these sites. Site owners and content may change without notice and may occur before we have the opportunity to remove a link which may have gone ‘bad’.
Please be also aware that when you leave our website, other sites may have different privacy policies and terms which are beyond our control. Please be sure to check the Privacy Policies of these sites as well as their “Terms of Service” before engaging in any business or uploading any information.
Consent
By using our website, you hereby consent to our disclaimer and agree to its terms.
Update
Should we update, amend or make any changes to this document, those changes will be prominently posted here.
REFERENCES
My new favourite foraging book is Sam Thayer’s Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: of Eastern and Central North America (The Sam Thayer’s Field Guides) Paperback – June 1, 2023 and this plant IS featured as one of the edible wild plants in this area. I highly recommend this guide for your bookshelves!
Ribes cynosbati Linnaeus – Database of Vascular Plants of Canada (VASCAN)
How Indians Use Wild Plants for Food, Medicine & Crafts (Native American)
Edible and Medicinal Plants of Canada
Leave a Reply