The once-banned gooseberry is making a return to the U.S.

Don’t be misled by the name: the tangy, slightly grape-flavored gooseberry has no connection to geese. This fruit, which belongs to the currant family, is found across Europe and extends all the way to the Arctic Circle. While North America is home to various gooseberry species, cultivating them in the U.S. isn’t as simple as just planting them.

In some states, such as Maine, certain gooseberry species, along with their close relative the black currant, are banned because they act as a host for the harmful white pine blister rust. This disease threatens white pine-dependent industries, like those relying on lumber.

What is this unique, low-profile berry that can kill trees yet is sweet enough to be turned into jam? We spoke with Ann Marie Hendry, a gooseberry enthusiast and representative from GrowVeg, to learn more.

Where Do Gooseberries Grow?

Gooseberries are categorized into two main varieties: European (Ribes grossularia var. uva-crispa) and American (Ribes hirtellum). These hardy fruits flourish in cool, damp climates. Countries like Germany, Russia, Poland, and Scandinavia grow gooseberries on large-scale commercial farms, while in the U.S. and Canada, they are often cultivated in smaller pick-your-own operations, as reported by Science Direct.

Gooseberries typically grow on thorny bushes that can produce fruit for up to two decades. Gardeners can also train these plants to climb walls, saving space. Hendry suggests planting gooseberries in sunny locations and points out that their low-maintenance needs make them ideal for home gardeners.

"Gooseberries thrive in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter like compost, but they don’t need much fertilization," Hendry says via email. "A balanced organic fertilizer once a year, just before the growth season starts, and an annual layer of compost or similar organic material should be enough."

Although gooseberries are low-maintenance, they can't be planted just anywhere. This stems from a federal ban in the early 1900s when it was discovered that gooseberries acted as intermediate hosts for the destructive white pine blister rust disease.

In 1966, the federal gooseberry ban shifted to state-level restrictions. While most states now allow gooseberries, some, like Maine, still have laws in place. As white pine plays a crucial role in the state's economy, the "sale, transportation and possession of Ribes spp. [gooseberries and currants]" remains illegal in much of Maine, according to the state's government.

Although laws are constantly changing, this list from The Greener Grass Farm provides a breakdown of gooseberry legality by state. The Agricultural Marketing Resource Center also advises calling your local extension office to double-check the current rules.

Where Can You Buy Gooseberries?

Although a relatively unknown fruit, gooseberries are now available in many places. Stores like Trader Joe's, Walmart, and even Amazon carry these tangy berries. Indian grocery stores often stock gooseberries as well, known as amla, which can be found in both the produce and freezer sections. For a more hands-on experience, you can forage for gooseberries at pick-your-own farms across the U.S., with locations stretching from Rhode Island to Washington.

If you're considering growing or foraging your own gooseberries, Hendry advises harvesting them in stages.

"You can start by picking some of the early, under-ripe berries in the summer for cooking. The rest can be harvested later or left to ripen fully," Hendry suggests. "In winter, it's helpful to prune new growth by about half to maintain productivity, but even if neglected, gooseberry bushes can still bear fruit, making them a very low-maintenance plant."

What Do They Taste Like?

Gooseberries come in various colors, such as yellow, red, pink, green, and purple. The two main types are green and red. Green gooseberries are more common and have a milder taste, while red ones contain more sugar and are better suited for snacking raw.

You can eat gooseberries raw, but Hendry suggests they are especially delicious when cooked.

"Gooseberries should be topped and tailed before being stewed for pies, crumbles, turned into jam, or dried into fruit leather," Hendry advises. "They have a tart flavor, so they’re often best sweetened with sugar. Some dessert varieties, like the Invicta gooseberry, are naturally sweeter when fully ripe."

Pies and jams are classic uses for gooseberries, but the fruit's tartness lends itself well to more inventive dishes. Some traditional and creative gooseberry recipes, such as gooseberry Champagne, gooseberry wine, and green gooseberry cheese, have been enjoyed for over a century.