The gooseberry is a species of Ribes. They may be a fairly acid green or red or even deep purple. They have been cultivated for so long in Britain that they are now often found in bushes around ruins, where it is difficult to tell if they are wild or escaped cultivated types. It was probably first seriously cultivated in Holland but was popular in English cottage gardens by the end of the 18th Century and it is in this country that they thrive. They are best know for the tart flavour they give to pies, fools and crumbles. My mother used to bottle gooseberries in large Kilner jars, whilst telling me that I had been found under the bush nearest to the kitchen.
