Seems Crest Farms is owned by Marie-Claude Gutekunst, a Quebec City native, and is a first-generation family-grown and operated black currant farm specializing in growing these vitamin C and antioxidant rich berries. Our emphasis on quality, locally sourced produce to position Seems Crest Farms to cater to health-conscious consumers seeking to learn more about this forbidden fruit while discovering the unique and nutritious gourmet products they can yield such as supplements, jams, cordials, sauces and mustards.

The Story Behind Black Currant in the U.S.

Black currants have a rich, complex history in the United States, marked by their introduction, prohibition, and slow reintroduction. Globally, they remain a beloved and healthful fruit, celebrated for both their flavor and nutritional benefits.

The black currant (Ribes nigrum) was introduced to the United States by English settlers at the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1629. It was cultivated, especially in New York, but soon became controversial due to its role as a host for the white pine blister rust, a fungal disease that threatened the American timber industry.

During World War II, black currants became crucial in Britain. With fruit imports restricted due to the war, black currants—rich in vitamin C—were used to prevent deficiencies among the British population, especially children. The berries were processed into syrups and distributed widely as a vital nutritional supplement.

In 1911, the U.S. federal government banned the cultivation, sale, and transport of black currants to protect the white pine forests from blister rust. The ban led to the systematic destruction of black currant plants across the country123. The federal ban was lifted in 1966, but many states kept their own restrictions for decades. Only in the 2000s did most states begin to relax these bans, aided by the development of disease-resistant currant varieties and better understanding of the disease's spread13. Despite these changes, black currants remain rare in the U.S., with only a small fraction of Americans ever having tasted them.

Nutritional Value and Health Benefits

Black currants are exceptionally nutrient-dense:

• Vitamin C: One cup of fresh berries contains over twice the vitamin C of a large orange (203 mg, 226% DV)4,6.

• Antioxidants: Rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols, which help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation456.

• Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA): An omega-6 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory effects4,5.

• Other nutrients: High in potassium (twice as much as bananas), iron, and fiber4,6.

Known Health benefits include:

• Boosting immune function

• Supporting heart health by improving cholesterol and triglyceride levels

• Reducing inflammation and aiding recovery from exercise

• Potentially helping with glaucoma and other age-related conditions

Black currants are far more popular and widely consumed outside the United States:

• Europe: Poland, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom are the top producers. The fruit is enjoyed in jams, syrups, juices, wines, and desserts. Black currant is also a common flavor in candies and beverages, such as the popular British drink Ribena7,8.

• Australia and New Zealand: Black currants are recognized for their health benefits and are used in traditional remedies, lozenges, and as a superfood ingredient8.

• Global Market: Black currant is used in dietary supplements, cosmetics, and as a high-value crop for farmers in several countries.

The berries hold so much medicinal properties, have multiple uses in various savory and sweet dishes and desserts, and produce decadent cordials. We hope to share her knowledge of the small fruit along with the many recipes that have filled countless family meals over the years.

The Farm (ette)

First of its kind in the State of PA, the farmette located in the Lehigh Valley is in its first official year of establishment. Marie-Claude’s interest in growing her own black currants began five years ago, during the COVID pandemic. Now, Marie-Claude and The Seems Crest Farms Family hops to be able to share the fruit of their labor and many recipes and products with you. You will see Marie-Claude at local farm markets or vendor events beginning in the Summer of 2026. For now our presence is virtual, on this website, as well as on various social media. Please visit us on Social Media!

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