The Zante currant (Vitis vinifera) is a variety of small, sweet, seedless black grape named after Corinth (currant) and the Ionian island of Zakynthos (Zante) and not to be confused with the blackcurrant, redcurrant, and white currant which are berries of shrubs in the Ribes genus and are in a different family altogether. Like grapes, currants are perennial.The name apparently comes from the Anglo-French phrase "raisins de Corinthe" (Raisins of Corinth)Barnhart, Clarence L.; Barnhart, Robert K., eds (1987) [1963]. The World Book Dictionary. A-K. Doubleday & Company Inc.. p. 509. ISBN 0-7166-0287-3.; "Zante" is a recent prefix given to distinguish them from the Ribes berry currants. Unlike blackcurrants, the Zante currant is not a significant source of vitamin C"USDA Nutrient Database" .
Zante currants are very small and intensely flavoured. They can be eaten raw, especially when ripe, when they are sweet to the taste. They may also be referred to as table grapes for this purpose. More commonly they are used for making raisins and occasionally wine. When dried, they are often referred to as dried currants or just "currants" and in this form are used in cooking, especially baking and are a major ingredient in currant slice (or currant square) and currant cake.
In the United Kingdom they are usually referred to simply as "currants" and often used in scones, currant buns, Christmas cake, Christmas pudding and mincemeat. They are sometimes sold mixed with raisins and sultanas as "mixed dried fruit".
