Gooseberry Crumble - A British Dessert | Greedy Gourmet

Question 1

What exactly are gooseberries?

Accepted Answer

Gooseberries are little green berries, about the size of a large grape, that turn reddish purple when ripe. They have a slightly fuzzy outer skin, which sometimes has stripes on it. Although they sweeten as they ripen, raw gooseberries can taste very tart, which is why they’re often cooked in pies and crumbles.

Gooseberries grow mainly in Northern Europe, especially the UK. They aren’t as well-known in the States, probably due to the fact that they were banned for most of the 21st century. This is because, if not properly controlled, a gooseberry bush can cause disease in pine trees.

The ban was lifted in the ‘60s and the growth of gooseberries in the States is now controlled. In the UK, they are enjoying a resurgence, as more and more people get into foraging for their own ingredients and baking traditional recipes.

Question 2

How do you pronounce ‘gooseberry’?

Accepted Answer

It’s pronounced ‘guuzberry.’ As in ‘good’, with a ‘z’ replacing the ‘d’.

Question 3

When is gooseberry season?

Accepted Answer

Gooseberry season is between May and September, with the best gooseberries growing in the middle of Summer, between late June and early August.

Question 4

Can I forage for gooseberries?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! If you’re able to forage for gooseberries, you should.

Gooseberries thrive in cooler climates, which is why they are perfect for growing in the UK. Focus your foraging on hedgerows and woodland areas, as well as along streams and riverbanks.

Another top tip is to follow a foraging guide. You’ll soon have more than enough gooseberries for this recipe. You can even double the ingredients and make two crumbles! Or even make a different gooseberry recipe, such as this gooseberry fool.

Question 5

How do you store gooseberries?

Accepted Answer

Gooseberries should be stored in the fridge in an airtight container. Don’t wash them beforehand – like strawberries, the extra moisture only serves to speed up the spoiling process. So, wash them just before you use them for this recipe.

Question 6

How long do gooseberries last in the fridge?

Accepted Answer

If you store them properly, they’ll last up to a week in the fridge.

Question 7

Can you freeze them?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can! Freezing gooseberries is a great way to extend their lifespan. Simply store them in an airtight container and place them in the freezer. Don’t forget to label the date of freezing. You can freeze them for up to a year.

Question 8

How do you store gooseberry crumble?

Accepted Answer

The best way to store gooseberry crumble leftovers is in the fridge. Allow it to cool completely and then place it in an airtight container.

Question 9

How long will it last in the fridge?

Accepted Answer

Gooseberry crumble leftovers will keep for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container.

Question 10

Can I freeze this recipe?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Freezing gooseberry crumble leftovers means you can enjoy it up to six months later. Just store your cooled leftovers in an airtight freezer-proof container.

Question 11

How do I thaw gooseberry crumble?

Accepted Answer

It’s best to let it defrost in the fridge overnight.

Question 12

Can this recipe be scaled?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Make the crumble in a bigger baking dish and double the ingredients.

Question 13

Can this recipe be made in advance?

Accepted Answer

Yes it can. Just follow the above recipe instructions up to step 7. Then cover the dish with foil and store in the fridge for up to 48 hours.

Let the gooseberry crumble come to room temperature before placing in the preheated oven.

Question 14

Is gooseberry crumble vegan?

Accepted Answer

No it’s not. The crumble topping contains butter. However, if you want to make a vegan version you can. See ‘variations to this recipe’ above.

Description

Ingredients

Gooseberry Filling

Crumble topping

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition