Gooseberries: 3 Tangy Ways to Cook and Enjoy This Summer Fruit

Although gooseberries may resemble grapes at first glance, they are actually relatives of currants and have a short but flavour-packed season from June to August. Early-season gooseberries are bright green and tart, while later ones ripen into sweeter golden or red berries. Whether you're baking, preserving, or experimenting with savoury dishes, gooseberries bring a tangy twist to your summer cooking.

Let’s explore three delicious ways to use them!

🥧 Baking with Gooseberries

Can you bake with gooseberries? Absolutely! Gooseberries add a sharp contrast to sweet bakes.

Use them in pies, crumbles, tarts, tray bakes, or muffins. Their tartness pairs well with almonds, vanilla, or buttery pastry, like in this Gooseberry and Apple Crumble by Kate Carless or a Gooseberry Frangipane Tart by Sonia.

Gooseberry And Apple Crumble Recipe by Kate Carless
Great recipe for Gooseberry and apple crumble.
Gooseberry Frangipane Tart Recipe by Sonia
I’m not entirely happy with the bake on this as I used coconut oil instead of butter and it seeped out through the sides of the tin. However, I baked it for longer and it did come together in the end. I’ve made mine with a gluten free pastry but I’d use a ready made sweet shortcrust if I could and I…
Gooseberrry Torte Recipe by Bianca Mwale
I made a delightful discovery about my new city: the stalls in the local market are overflowing with fresh vegetables and fruits. What caught my eye the most was the vast variety of fruit. Among the usual fruits were various berries that I normally would not find in my old place unless I was willing…

🍨 Jamming and Preserving

What’s the best way to preserve gooseberries? Turn them into jam!

Gooseberry jam is a classic preserve with a beautiful balance of tart and sweet. Whether you prefer green or red gooseberries, you can adjust the sugar to your taste. Gooseberry compote is also great spooned over yoghurt, waffles or folded into whipped cream to make a fool.

Homemade Gooseberry Jam Recipe by Yui Miles
Let’s take part on Cookpad newest challenge 🍓🍇🍒 #summerjar We did some gooseberry picking at my parents in law a few weeks back and this time I have so many ripe gooseberries so decided to make some yummy jam out of them. Gooseberries are naturally high in pectin so you don’t need to use speciali…
Gooseberry Compote Recipe by Malou Herkes
It’s gooseberry season! These tart little berries are delicious stewed down into a quick compote. If you like tart flavours like rhubarb, you’ll like this. I love this in a sweet omelette, will share the recipe and link to it here!
Gooseberry(amla) Jam Recipe by Shikha Yashu Jethi
#56Bhog Post28

🍗 Savoury Sauces and Relishes

Can gooseberries be used in savoury dishes? Yes—and they’re fantastic!

Cooked gooseberries transform into punchy relishes, chutneys, or sauces that go beautifully with roast meats, cold cuts, or cheese. Combine them with red onion, mustard seeds, or ginger for bold flavours. A tangy gooseberry sauce can also cut through the richness of grilled sausages or roast pork.

Spiced Gooseberry Chutney Recipe by Clare Knivett
Great recipe for Spiced gooseberry chutney.
Cape Gooseberry Chutney Recipe by ZMA
#Mar #Week2 #cookpadindia An amazing Chutney with the Cape Gooseberries. Goes well with umpteen number of dishes including Chaats, Pakoras, Samosas, Rolls, Wraps and Kachoris. It’s a beautiful spread also and can be used on Breads and Sandwiches for Breakfast, Brunch or even for Snacking. It’s done …
Gooseberry Steak Sauce Recipe by skunkmonkey101
A different sauce

Whether you’re making jam or trying out a savoury twist, gooseberries are a wonderfully versatile summer ingredient. Don’t let the short season pass without giving them a try!

What’s your favourite gooseberry recipe? Share your ideas and inspire others in the Cookpad Community.