Ontario currant growers enter the summer harvest season amid warm weather and strong demand for local berries – yes currants are berries!
Ontario Currant Season Begins in July
July marks the start of currant season across Ontario, as growers begin harvesting one of the province's most distinctive small fruit crops. Known for their tart flavor and high nutritional value, black, red, and white currants are grown by specialty fruit farms throughout several regions of the province.
Although currants are not produced on the same scale as major fruit crops such as strawberries, apples, or blueberries, they remain an important niche crop for many diversified farm operations. Ontario is Canada's leading producer of currants, with production concentrated primarily in southern and eastern parts of the province.
The largest concentrations of currant production are found in areas including Niagara, Prince Edward County, Durham Region, Ottawa Valley, and parts of eastern Ontario. Many growers market their fruit through farm gates, farmers' markets, local retailers, U-pick operations, and value-added products such as jams, juices, syrups, wines, and preserves.
Currants are considered berries because of their botanical structure, not because of their size. In botany, a berry is a simple fleshy fruit that develops from a single flower's ovary and contains seeds embedded within the flesh. Currants (genus Ribes), including red currants, black currants, and white currants, fit this definition perfectly.
Industry sources indicate that Ontario's currant sector consists mainly of small and medium-sized specialty fruit farms. While exact annual production and grower numbers fluctuate, the crop remains a growing segment of the province's diversified berry industry as consumers increasingly seek locally grown foods with strong nutritional benefits.
Ontario's 2026 growing season has been characterized by warmer-than-normal temperatures across much of the province. The spring and early summer also experienced uneven precipitation patterns, with some regions receiving adequate rainfall while others experienced drier conditions. These conditions generally supported currant development but increased the importance of timely moisture management for fruit growers.
Currants are relatively hardy for plants and can tolerate cooler conditions better than many fruit crops. However, prolonged heat and moisture stress during fruit development can affect berry size and yield. Growers who had access to irrigation were generally better positioned to manage shifting weather conditions during this growing season.
Currants have gained renewed attention in recent years because of their nutritional profile. Black currants are particularly rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and anthocyanins; compounds associated with various health benefits. Their intense flavour also makes them popular for processing beverages, sauces, specialty food products, and of course desserts like Butter Tarts.
Connection to Butter Tarts
For bakers making classic Canadian butter tarts, adding about 1–2 tablespoons of currants per tart is common. Currants are one of the traditional ingredients used in many butter tart recipes, especially in Ontario. Often preferred because they are smaller and slightly tarter than raisins, so they blend into the filling without dominating it. Many traditional bakery and family recipes call specifically dried currants.
Of course, there is much debate about butter tart recipes, the long-running Canadian debate:
Currants are Winter Hardy
One reason currants remain attractive to growers is their adaptability to Ontario's climate. The plants are winter hardy, relatively long-lived, and can produce crops for many years after establishment. In addition, interest in unique and locally produced fruits has helped support demand among consumers seeking alternatives to more common berries.
As harvesting ramps up throughout July, Ontario currant growers are optimistic about consumer demand for locally grown fruit. While the industry remains relatively small compared to other berry sectors, currants continue to offer opportunities for niche-market farmers and agritourism operations.
Currants provide a chance to experience a uniquely Canadian-grown fruit that combines bold flavour, versatility, and strong nutritional value. With harvest season now underway, Ontario's currant crop is once again making its annual appearance across the province.
Photo Credit: Pexesl- Michael Robak