Most North American currants are of the black or red varieties, with whitecurrants having been imported from Europe. Some have escaped cultivation and are occasionally found in the wild, but usually they are cultivated. The richest and sweetest flavored of the whitecurrants is the White Imperial . It forms loose clusters of medium to large fruit which is white and translucent.
Seeds are visible through the translucuent skin and flesh and are brown.
These ripen in mid-July and are hardy to Zone 3. White Pearl is another large berry with translucent skin, although it is pale yellow in color. It has a mild, sweet flavor and is also hardy to Zone 3. It is believed to be from Belgium and cultivated since at least 1850 or is from Holland. Add 1 quart water, crushed Campden tablet and yeast nutrient and stir.