Pink Currant U-Pick in Wisconsin
Meet the Fruit Behind Our Pink Currant U-Pick
Pink and white currants are one of the most approachable berries you’ll find at our U-pick farm in Brodhead, Wisconsin. While they’re related to red and black currants, these lighter varieties are noticeably milder, gently sweet, and easy to enjoy fresh. Because of their delicate skins and short harvest window, they’re rarely shipped or sold in grocery stores—however, they’re perfect for picking and tasting right in the orchard.
At Nuts About Dee’s Berries, pink and white currants ripen during a brief, beautiful stretch of early summer, making them a favorite for first-time currant pickers, families, and anyone curious about lesser-known fruits. Whether you’re snacking as you pick or planning to bake, preserve, or freeze your harvest, these currants reward freshness and simple handling.
What Are Pink & White Currants?
Pink and white currants are lighter, milder relatives of red and black currants, prized for their gentle sweetness and juicy texture. Although they grow in the same family, their flavor is noticeably softer, making them far more approachable for people who are new to currants or unsure what to expect.
Unlike darker currants, which are often bold or sharply tart, pink and white currants lean bright and refreshing. Their thin skins and translucent flesh give them a delicate “pop” when eaten fresh, especially when picked fully ripe. As a result, they’re easy to snack on straight from the bush—no sugar, no preparation, and no explanation required.
Because of this balance, pink and white currants are often described as a gateway currant. They introduce people to the flavor and versatility of currants without the intensity that can surprise first-time tasters. Whether enjoyed fresh during U-pick or taken home for simple baking and preserving, these currants reward freshness and gentle handling.
Tip: If you’re new to currants, pink and white are the easiest place to start.
What Do Pink & White Currants Taste Like?
Short season. Big flavor. Grown with intention.
Pink and white currants taste bright and refreshing, with a gentle sweetness that keeps them from feeling overly tart. While some currants can surprise first-time tasters with intensity, these lighter varieties stay mild and approachable—therefore, they’re easy to love on the first handful.
When fully ripe, the berries have a delicate “pop” as you bite into them, followed by a clean, lightly tangy finish. Because their flavor is subtle, they pair beautifully with creamy desserts, simple pastries, and fresh summer snacks—however, they’re just as satisfying eaten straight from the bush during U-pick.
For many visitors in Southern Wisconsin, pink and white currants become the “gateway berry” that makes currants finally make sense. If you’ve only tried currants in a jam jar before, tasting them fresh is a completely different experience.
How Pink & White Currants Are Best Enjoyed
Pink and white currants are versatile in the kitchen, but they’re best enjoyed in simple ways that highlight their freshness and delicate flavor. From snacking straight from the bush to light desserts and small-batch preserves, these currants reward gentle handling and thoughtful use.
🫐 Fresh Eating
Pink and white currants are at their best when enjoyed fresh. Their gentle sweetness and light tartness make them easy to snack on while picking, even for visitors who are trying currants for the first time.
Because the berries have thin skins and a delicate texture, freshness matters. Picked fully ripe, they offer a clean, juicy bite that doesn’t need sugar or preparation to shine.
🍰 Simple Desserts
These currants pair beautifully with lightly sweetened desserts where their flavor can stay front and center. Rather than overpowering a dish, they add brightness and balance.
They work especially well with whipped cream, yogurt, panna cotta, shortcakes, and other simple treats where a fresh pop of flavor makes all the difference.
🥧 Baking, Jams & Jellies
Pink and white currants can be used in baking and small-batch preserves, offering a lighter, more delicate alternative to darker currants. Their color and flavor lend themselves well to gentle applications that highlight freshness rather than intensity.
They’re often used in tarts, muffins, and lighter-style jams or jellies meant to taste bright and clean rather than bold or heavy.
🍯 Infused Syrups & Simple Sauces
These currants also work well in infused syrups and simple sauces when used thoughtfully. Their subtle flavor adds brightness without overwhelming, making them a good fit for drizzles, dessert sauces, or light summer applications.
Because their taste is delicate, these infusions are typically simple and restrained—designed to complement rather than dominate.
From the field to the kitchen, pink and white currants offer more range than most berries.
Pink and white currants reward gentle handling and thoughtful use — making them a natural fit for U-pick and home kitchens alike.
Why Pink Currants Are a Healthy Choice
Planning a visit to our Pink Currant U-Pick farm? Beyond the fun of picking your own berries, you’re choosing a snack packed with health benefits! These vibrant berries are not only delicious but also offer a range of nutrients that contribute to your overall well-being. Let’s explore why adding pink currants to your diet is a healthy choice for you and your family.
Pink and white currants are enjoyed first for their fresh, approachable flavor, but they also offer a quiet nutritional bonus when eaten in season. They naturally contain vitamin C and gentle antioxidants, which are often associated with everyday immune support as part of a balanced, fruit-forward diet. Because their flavor is lighter and less tannic than darker currants, they’re easy to enjoy fresh without added sugar. Many visitors appreciate them as a naturally refreshing fruit that feels light, simple, and satisfying straight from the bush.
Pink and white currants are often enjoyed as part of a fresh, fruit-forward diet that supports overall vitality and skin health. Because they contain vitamin C and antioxidants, many people associate them with a natural, inside-out approach to skin radiance when eaten regularly and in season. Their light, refreshing flavor makes them easy to enjoy fresh, which helps preserve their natural qualities. For visitors who appreciate foods that feel clean and simple, pink and white currants fit easily into a routine centered on freshness and balance.
Pink and white currants are naturally light and refreshing, offering plenty of flavor without feeling heavy. Despite their delicate sweetness, they’re packed with naturally occurring nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants, making them a satisfying choice in a small handful. Because they don’t rely on added sugar to be enjoyable, they fit easily into a variety of eating styles. Many visitors appreciate them as a fruit that feels simple, balanced, and nourishing—especially when enjoyed fresh during the short harvest season.
When to Visit Dee’s for Pink Currant U-Pick Season
At Nuts About Dee’s Berries, currant season unfolds in stages, with each variety arriving in its own short window. Red currants typically begin ripening in late June, followed by white and black currants as early summer moves into July. This natural progression creates a rolling harvest rather than a single peak, giving visitors multiple chances to experience currants at their best.
Pink currants, however, are the crown jewel of mid-summer. They typically reach peak ripeness from late June through early August, depending on the season and weather. When ready to pick, the berries take on a soft rosy glow with gentle translucence, signaling their balance of sweetness and brightness. Their tender skins and clean, sweet-tart flavor make them especially appealing for fresh eating, light desserts, and small-batch preserves.
Because this window is short and can shift slightly year to year, timing your visit matters. Many visitors to our Brodhead, Wisconsin farm plan ahead so they don’t miss the height of pink currant season. To stay in sync, we recommend checking our Harvest Calendar, following along on Facebook, or joining our newsletter for seasonal updates — the easiest way to know when pink currants are coming into their prime.
Because seasonal timing can shift from year to year, we share real-time updates as pink and white currants approach ripeness. Harvest announcements, U-pick availability, and short field updates are posted on our Facebook page so visitors can follow along as the season develops.
Pink & White Currants Are Easy to Pick
Pink and white currants are one of the most approachable crops to pick at our farm. The bushes are low, the fruit is easy to spot, and the pace is relaxed—making this a favorite for families, first-time U-pickers, and anyone who wants a calm, enjoyable harvest experience.
Easy, Relaxed Picking
Pink and white currants grow on low, productive bushes that are easy to reach and gentle to harvest. There’s no climbing, no special tools, and no rush — just simple, satisfying picking at your own pace. Many visitors are surprised by how quickly their containers fill once they get started.
Great for Families & First-Timers
This is one of those crops where kids can truly help and adults can actually relax. The berries are visible, the picking is straightforward, and the experience feels approachable even if you’ve never picked currants before. It’s a low-stress way to introduce children (and curious adults) to something new.
A Short Season Worth Savoring
Pink and white currants shine during a brief stretch of mid-summer, when the rows glow with soft color and the orchard feels especially calm and inviting. The light, the leaves, and the clusters of berries make this a quietly beautiful time to visit the farm. It’s the kind of harvest that feels fleeting — and special because of it.
From Bucket to Kitchen
Most people enjoy pink and white currants the same day they pick them — snacking fresh, folding them into simple desserts, or setting a few aside to freeze. Their gentle flavor and delicate texture make them easy to use without complicated prep. What you pick here often becomes something enjoyed almost immediately at home.
From Harvest to Home
A Seasonal Favorite for Bakers & Makers
Pink and white currants may look delicate on the bush, but they’re surprisingly versatile once picked. Their light color, gentle acidity, and natural pectin make them an easy ingredient for home bakers and small-batch makers alike—whether enjoyed fresh or transformed shortly after harvest.
Many visitors take their berries home for simple uses like fresh snacking, freezing, or quick preserves. Others turn them into light, jewel-toned jams, syrups, and sauces that highlight brightness rather than intensity. Because their flavor is subtle and clean, pink and white currants shine best with minimal handling and simple ingredients.
Handled with care, these berries move effortlessly from the field to the kitchen—making them a seasonal favorite for anyone who loves cooking with fresh, hard-to-find fruit.
In Southern Wisconsin, black currants typically ripen from late June through early July, with exact harvest timing influenced by spring weather and growing conditions. Because this window can shift slightly each year, we share real-time harvest updates on our Facebook page as the season approaches.
Questions We Hear at the Farm
Pink and white currants are milder and sweeter than red or black currants, with a gentle tartness that keeps them refreshing. Most first-time pickers are surprised by how approachable they taste, especially when fully ripe.
Not usually. Many people enjoy them fresh straight from the bush without adding anything at all. When used in simple desserts or preserves, they often require much less sugar than darker currants.
Yes. Their lighter flavor and easy-to-pick clusters make them a favorite for families. Kids enjoy sampling as they pick, and the experience feels relaxed and low-stress.
That depends on how you plan to use them. A small container is perfect for fresh snacking or light desserts, while larger amounts work well for freezing, jams, or syrups. Many visitors find they pick more quickly than expected once they get started.
Absolutely. They freeze well and retain their flavor for later use in baking, sauces, or smoothies. Freezing is a popular option for extending the season at home.
Currants tend to ripen over a short window rather than all in a single day. Visiting during peak season gives you the best balance of sweetness and ease of picking, which is why timing your visit matters.
Visit During Pink & White Currant Season
Discover Our Wide Variety of Nuts and Berries
At Nuts about Dee’s Berries, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse selection of delicious and nutritious crops. In addition to our featured crop, we also grow a variety of other fruits and nuts that are perfect for U-pick adventures. Explore our other offerings and discover your new favorite treat. We are sure that you will find something that you like, and that fits your needs.