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[title size=”2″]Gooseberry[/title]

Gooseberries grow on a bush that reaches between 3 to 10 feet in height. The branches grow thick with sharp thorns that can either stand alone or create thick thistles as they clump in bunches from the leaves’ stems. The leaves are a deep green color with serrated edges and three or five lobes each. The gooseberry bush is a hardy plant and makes a great addition to gardens through their provision of tasty fruit. While it is fairly tolerant of a variety of climates, the gooseberry prefers cooler climes and can be vulnerable to disease and rot in soil that becomes overly flooded. These bushes grow well in either direct sunlight or partial shade and well-drained soil. Gooseberry shrubs are also self-fertile meaning they can self-pollinate and do not rely on insects or animals to spread their seeds.

Gooseberry shrubs produce small edible green berries. If you pick the berries while still green they will have a tarter flavor; however, if you allow them to ripen a little longer, the berries will turn a dark yellow, orange or even a red-purple color, which will produce a sweeter flavor. In the Ozarks, gooseberries will ripen from the late spring to early summertime. When the berries are overripe they will fall off the branches onto the ground. In addition to the berries, the bush produces small white flowers that bloom alone or in pairs. Gooseberries can be used in desserts and pastries from pies to crumbles. They can also be used to make fruit wines, teas, and flavored waters. Like many other berries, gooseberries can be made into jellies and jam as a method of preservation.

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