As the plant has a wide range , the berries were a favorite fruit of the squaws of many of Indian tribes. Ribes hirtellum is a native to North America.
Most cultivated gooseberry in North America are hybrids between Ribes grossularia and Ribes hirtellum.
Gooseberry are picked slightly underripe for cooking in jams, pies and a classic dish, Industry cultivars are excellent eaten fresh.
Unripe gooseberry are excellent for cooking, especially sauces.
Ribes hirtellum
