60 RED CURRANTS. 
Thefruit of this tree, when ripe, is as large as a 
goose's egg, and is much esteemed in India, on account 
of its invigorating odour ; which, it is imagined, will 
restore health to persons in a declining state. Beneath 
its rough shell there is a kernel, similar to that of the 
almond, which may be eaten either fresh or preserved. 
From the expressed juice of this fruit the Indians pre- 
pare a kind of wine. When intended for pickling, the 
fruit is gathered in an unripe state. An imitation of 
mangos is made in our own country with a particular 
sort of melon. A small square piece is cut from the 
side of the melon, through which the seeds are taken 
out. It is then filled with mustard seeds and shred 
garlic, and afterwards pickled with vinegar and spices. 
Large cucumbers are sometimes prepared as mangos. 
74. RED CURRANTS are the fruit of a well known 
shrub (Ribes rubum), which is cultivated in gardens; and 
which also grows wild in woods or thickets of some of the 
northern parts of England. Its bunches are smooth and 
pendant ; and its flowers areflattish. 
The utility of this fruit in domestic economy has 
long been established. Its juice, if boiled with an 
equal weight of loaf sugar, forms an agreeable sub- 
stance, called currant jetty, which is much employed 
in sauces and for other culinary purposes; and also in 
the cure of sore throats and colds. The French fre- 
quently mix currant jelly with sugar and water, as a 
beverage ; and, by many persons, this mixture is pre- 
ferred to orgeat or lemonade. The juice of currants 
is a valuable remedy in obstructions of the bowels ; 
and, in febrile complaints, it is useful on account of its 
readily quenching thirst, and for its cooling effect on 
the stomach. This juice, fermented with a proper 
quantity of sugar, becomes a palatable wine, which is 
much improved by keeping ; and which, with care, may 
be kept for twenty years and upwards. Modes of 
making this, as well as other British wines, are to be 
found in all the domestic receipt books. 
