Food Encyclopedia

gooseberry

These large, tart berries grow on bushes and come in many varieties including green, white, yellow and red; their skins can be smooth or fuzzy. Though they're comparatively rare in the United States, they flourish in northern Europe. Gooseberries are in season March through June, depending on the region. If you can find them fresh, choose those that are fairly firm and evenly colored. Canned gooseberries (usually the green variety) are available year-round. Gooseberries make excellent jams, jellies, pies and the dessert for which they're duly famous, fool.