Have you ever wanted to try your hand at gooseberry recipes? Now's your chance.

Gooseberries are not your typical summer berry, but have been a delicious addition to summertime desserts and jams in northern Europe for centuries. These tart and thick-skinned berries can almost be considered a superfood, as they are chock full of vitamin C, antioxidants and essential minerals. Although their tartness can be a bit much for some (comparable to rhubarb), adding sugar always helps to soften their flavor, while combining them with other summer fruits such as strawberries and currants provides a nice twist to traditional favorites. Try one of our 5 favorite gooseberry recipes this summer to taste what this delicious fruit is all about!

1. Blackcurrant Gooseberry Jelly

This jelly recipe from Canadian Living offers up a mix of two very northern summer berries that compliment each other's flavors perfectly. Use a jelly bag or fine mesh sieve to make smooth, seedless and skinless jelly. Serve it for breakfast with toast or croissants, or venture to the wild side and pair it with a red wine meat stew or stuffed cabbage rolls.

2. Gooseberry and Strawberry Tart

Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall is known for his seasonal cooking and exceptionally tasty recipes that put a modern twist on traditional British favorites. His summery gooseberry and strawberry tart is just the ticket to gooseberry first timers, as the sweetness of the sugar and the wholesome flavor of the crust make for a very enjoyable dessert dish. Serve it for a barbecue or take it to your next dinner party invitation as an unique treat.

3. Gooseberry and Elderflower Sponge Pudding

The cooks at The Intolerant Gourmet serve up this vegan and gluten free bit of gooseberry deliciousness with a simple and healthy recipe. It's easy to make it as a non-vegan version as well, and you can mix in various summer berries of your choosing. It's great as a sweet breakfast pudding, but also works as a summertime dessert or afternoon delight when served with ice cream or clotted cream and coffee.

4. Gooseberry and Ginger Chutney

If chutney is your thing, you absolutely have to try this recipe from Rocket and Roses Vegan Kitchen. The ginger adds a nice touch of spice, while the gooseberries lend the ideal amount of acidity and body to this summertime chutney. Serve it with meats, veggie curries or even with your favorite home baked bread.

5. Gooseberry and Mint Cordial Mojito

Just reading the name of this drink is making us thirsty - and it's the most refreshing solution for a hot summer afternoon! Mint and gooseberries compliment each other's flavors delightfully, while the lime adds the traditional zesty punch. You can also make it as a non-alcoholic version by simply omitting the rum. Serve as an aperitif at your next dinner party or before a girl's night out.

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