Brennan Anstey

In an interesting turn of events, half way through the season (possibly as the predator bugs came out?) the current fly infestation activity completely disappeared. So I could easily pick and eat currants again without the larvae in them. I’d just have to avoid the shrivelled ones which is fairly easy.

I will see how this plays out next year see if I can spot who is eating the currant flies (I’ve only ever really noticed the larvae and not the flies themselves). If anyone else has experience with this issue please post!

My red currant bush used to be delicious. Now the currant fly (I’m presuming) has put gross white larvae in most of the berries the past few years. I’ve heard this is common for my area (PNW), but haven’t heard of any solutions. Does anyone have ideas on how to deal with currant fly?

It grows all over around here (Vancouver, Canada) on in disturbed soils - two plant books I have say it was originally from Europe. I've seen it growing in sidewalk cracks in my neighbourhood, as well as alongside forest trails.

Has a nice, rich, earthy/woody flavour. I ate it today in a beet soup (from a local farmer). I wild harvested some earlier this year that I dried and used for tea. Something about the unique flavour really attracts me to this plant.