Gooseberry

Gooseberries are the first soft fruits in many gardens, especially if the immature green berries are thinned in May for cooking. Like redcurrants, plants develop a permanent system of fruiting sideshoots, and may be trained as fans, espaliers, cordons and standards, as well as bushes grow all kinds on a single clear stem, known as a leg, for easy maintenance. 'Careless' is the best-known variety, introduced in 1855 and still popular. It produces heavy yields of good-sized berries, perfect for bottling and preserves if picked early, but also excellent for dessert if left to ripen fully. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).