{"title":"Best Berries for Sauce \u0026 Butter","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 8 varieties in our catalog that scored 8 or higher out of 10 for sauce and butter. Scored on how readily the fruit breaks down into a smooth puree, coulis or fruit butter, and on the color and flavor of the finished sauce.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn 8 is Very good on the adapted Beach (1905) grade, a 9 is Very good to best and a 10 is Best. Varieties that scored 6 or 7 are genuinely good at this too, and you will find them under the matching Shop by Use group.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery score in this list is sourced. Nothing is here because it is popular, and nothing is here on our word alone. The full evidence, including what each variety scored for every other use and why, is in the use guide.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"adams-elderberry-bundle-of-2","title":"Adam's Elderberry (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAdam’s Elderberry originated in New York State in 1926 and is known for its exceptionally large berries. It ripens about two weeks before Ranch—so roughly mid-August here in Missoula.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eProductive, Hardy \u0026amp; Fall-Friendly\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis variety tolerates wet locations well, is productive and hardy, and shows off with lovely fall foliage. The berries are perfect for pies, jam, juices, and wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA Tonic for Winter Wellness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eElderberry juice is one of the best natural remedies for colds and flu, and it makes a wonderful winter tonic!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePollination \u0026amp; Planting Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFor best fruit set, plant with John's, Ranch or North American Black Elderberry to ensure good cross-pollination. Hardy to Zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePlant Size \u0026amp; Root Health\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese shrubs are 1–2 feet tall and have excellent root systems, with lots of fine root hairs to help them establish quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42496796098626,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/adams-elderberry-berries.webp?v=1789019153"},{"product_id":"ben-lomand-black-currant-bundle-of-2","title":"Ben Lomand Black Currant (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThis is our second year growing Ben Lomond currants, and we were actually able to taste the fruit already. The fruit is quite good—perhaps the sweetest of all black currants we’ve ever tried.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFlavor Comparison \u0026amp; Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese will be far less sweet than the Montana Black Currants, though that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, we’ve heard from some of our customers that Montana Black Currants make the \u003cem\u003ebest\u003c\/em\u003e jam. These would complement them quite well—or they could simply be purchased on their own—thanks to their nice, large, sweet berries. They’d likely be great in baked goods, too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold Hardiness \u0026amp; Plant Size\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eHardy to -50°F, these Ben Lomond currants are roughly 1–2 feet tall and very well rooted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border:1px solid #cfcfcf;border-left:4px solid #8a1c1c;background:#faf7f6;padding:14px 18px;margin-top:28px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping restrictions — white pine blister rust quarantine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eBlack currants (\u003cem\u003eRibes nigrum\u003c\/em\u003e and its hybrids) are an alternate host for white pine blister rust. We \u003cstrong\u003ecannot ship this plant to Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Virginia, or West Virginia\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its sale or importation is prohibited by state law.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePermit or local restrictions also apply in:\u003c\/strong\u003e Michigan and New Jersey (state permit required) and New York (prohibited outside designated fruiting-currant districts unless the cultivar is certified rust-resistant). Several other states restrict planting only within specific counties or townships.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;font-size:0.9em;color:#555;\"\u003eOrders placed to a prohibited state will be cancelled and refunded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"6-12\"","offer_id":42547414106178,"sku":null,"price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1-2 ft.","offer_id":42547414138946,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"2-3 ft.","offer_id":42547414171714,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/ben-lomand-black-currant-fruit.webp?v=1789019191"},{"product_id":"brandywine-purple-raspberry-bundle-of-5-s385a","title":"Brandywine Purple Raspberry (Bundle of 3)","description":"\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBrandywine is a true purple raspberry—a rare hybrid between red and black raspberries—and it really stands out for its flavor and color. While it might not be on every gardener’s radar, those who grow it tend to become loyal fans, especially if they’re into making jam, jelly, or homemade wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eThe berries are large, soft, and packed with tart, full flavor. When baked into pies or cakes, that deep purple color fades to a bright red, making it just as beautiful in the kitchen as it is on the vine. Brandywine also has a reputation among home brewers and fermenters for its excellent performance in fruit wines and liqueurs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGrowing Tips and Considerations\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne of the nice things about Brandywine is that it doesn’t take over your garden the way some raspberries can. It tends to stay put once planted, which makes maintenance a bit easier. The canes do have thorns, but they’re more widely spaced and larger than those on most red raspberries, so pruning and picking aren’t too much of a hassle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt’s a tough and adaptable plant, generally insect resistant and reliable in a range of climates. It grows best in Zones 4–8, though if you’re in Zone 3, you might see a little winter dieback—something to keep in mind if you’re gardening in colder parts of the region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePlant Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBerry Texture: Soft and juicy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eFlavor: Tart, complex, and full\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eBest Uses: Fresh eating, jam, baking, wine\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eHardiness: Zones 4–8 (possibly Zone 3 with protection)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eGrowth Habit: Upright, with moderate spread\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472434532418,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/brandywine-purple-raspberry-fruit.webp?v=1789019221"},{"product_id":"ranch-elderberry-bundle-of-3","title":"Ranch Elderberry (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eRanch produces larger elderberries with more vigor. The fruit ripens about two weeks later than Adams, which should be planted nearby for best pollination—though North American Black Elderberry can also do the job.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eEasy to Grow, Beautiful in Bloom\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThis variety requires very little maintenance. In spring, giant clusters of white flowers bloom, turning into soft, nearly black berries by late summer. Both the elderflowers and the ripe elderberries are edible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold Hardy \u0026amp; Productive\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eRanch ripens near the end of August and is reliably cold-hardy—great for northern growers. Hardy to Zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCurrent Size \u0026amp; Root Health\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese shrubs are available in two sizes, 1–2 feet tall and 2-3 ft. tall. These are potted transplants (not field grown), so they come with lots of fine root hairs and are ready to thrive.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"1-2 ft.","offer_id":42503635664962,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"2-3 ft.","offer_id":42503635697730,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/ranch-elderberry-berries.webp?v=1789020871"},{"product_id":"invicta-gooseberry","title":"Invicta Gooseberry (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvicta Gooseberry (often sold as Malling Invicta) is a European gooseberry selected for high productivity, large green fruit, and strong disease resistance—especially against powdery mildew. From the research available, it traces back to breeding work in England (East Malling), where it entered cultivation as part of modern gooseberry improvement efforts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistory\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom published germplasm and pomology references, Invicta is described as coming from East Malling breeding in England and is associated with a multi-parent background that includes classic gooseberry lines such as Resistenta, Whinham’s Industry, and Keepsake.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvicta is known for very high yields of large fruit (which is large for a gooseberry!) and a flavor that works well both fresh and processed. We've had consistent crops every year in Missoula. It's excellent when fully ripe and the fruit come on around Mid-July here in Missoula. It also excels for pies, jams, sauces, and other cooked uses where gooseberries really shine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor an “absolute extreme winter low” figure for what Invicta has survived down to, the most explicit cultivar-specific claim we found repeatedly in nursery cultivar specs is that Invicta is hardy to about \u003cstrong\u003e−40°F\u003c\/strong\u003e, which corresponds to a solid \u003cstrong\u003eZone 3\u003c\/strong\u003e shrub in practical planning terms. That said, it may be even hardier than this, but we don't exactly know. Invicta will therefore work in most of Western Montana. As it goes for the Eastern part of the state, it is likely that Invicta would survive most areas, but still plant in areas free of frost pooling (up on a bench and certainly out of depressions or lower elevation sites on your property).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Notable Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvicta is vigorous and thorny, and it’s often recommended for training\/trellising and regular pruning to keep picking manageable and improve airflow. Its heavy bearing tendency and mildew resistance are big reasons it became so widely planted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShrubs are 6-18\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border:1px solid #cfcfcf;border-left:4px solid #8a1c1c;background:#faf7f6;padding:14px 18px;margin-top:28px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping restrictions — white pine blister rust quarantine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eGooseberries and currants (\u003cem\u003eRibes\u003c\/em\u003e species) are alternate hosts for white pine blister rust. We \u003cstrong\u003ecannot ship this plant to New Hampshire or North Carolina\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its sale or importation is prohibited by state law. North Carolina prohibits all \u003cem\u003eRibes\u003c\/em\u003e statewide; New Hampshire permits only a short list of named rust-resistant cultivars, which does not include this variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePermit or county-level restrictions also apply in:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and West Virginia (prohibited in specific counties or townships) and Delaware, Michigan, and Rhode Island (state permit required). Please check your local rules before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;font-size:0.9em;color:#555;\"\u003eOrders placed to a prohibited state will be cancelled and refunded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"6-18\" 3rd Year Plants","offer_id":42547486720066,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/invicta-gooseberry-on-bush.jpg?v=1789020347"},{"product_id":"johns-elderberry","title":"John's Elderberry (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn’s Elderberry (commonly listed as \u003cstrong\u003eJohns\u003c\/strong\u003e) is a cold-hardy American elderberry (\u003cem\u003eSambucus canadensis\u003c\/em\u003e) selected in eastern Canada and long valued by northern growers for its reliability, productivity, and fruit quality. It has been widely planted in cold regions of the U.S. and Canada and is often used as a benchmark cultivar when evaluating elderberry performance in short-season, cold-winter climates. John's has done consistently well for us in Western Montana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn’s produces large clusters of dark purple to nearly black berries with good juice content. Like most American elderberries, the fruit is not intended for fresh eating but excels when processed. It is widely used for syrups, juice, wine, tinctures, jams, and other medicinal or culinary preparations. John’s is often noted for good flavor concentration and high yields, making it especially useful for processing at scale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn’s Elderberry grows as a vigorous, multi-stemmed shrub, typically reaching \u003cstrong\u003e6–8 feet tall and wide\u003c\/strong\u003e under good conditions. Plants spread gradually from the crown and respond well to coppicing or renewal pruning. A practical spacing is \u003cstrong\u003e6–10 feet apart\u003c\/strong\u003e, depending on whether plants are managed as individual shrubs or in a hedgerow system. Regular pruning encourages strong new growth and higher fruit production, as elderberries fruit on new wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn’s Elderberry is consistently described as \u003cstrong\u003eextremely cold hardy\u003c\/strong\u003e, with many extension and nursery references placing it solidly in \u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Hardiness Zone 3\u003c\/strong\u003e. This matches our experience. 5 year old John's had survived -38\u003cstrong\u003e°F in Corvallis, MT on 1\/13\/24. \u003c\/strong\u003eLiterature cites it is hardy down to -40°F, although it may even be hardier than this because even when top growth is damaged in severe winters, plants typically regrow vigorously from the crown in spring, which is a key reason elderberries perform so reliably in very cold climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eElderberries are partially self-fertile, but \u003cstrong\u003ecross-pollination significantly improves fruit set and yield\u003c\/strong\u003e. Planting John’s alongside another American elderberry cultivar (such as Adams or our Black Elderberry) is strongly recommended for best performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Notable Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn’s is frequently highlighted for its combination of cold hardiness, heavy bearing, and suitability for medicinal use. Like all elderberries, fruit must be cooked before consumption. The shrub also offers ecological value, with abundant spring flowers for pollinators and late-season fruit for birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePlant Size \u0026amp; Root Health\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese shrubs are 1–2 feet tall and have excellent root systems, with lots of fine root hairs to help them establish quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42499661660226,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/johns-elderberry-berries.jpg?v=1789020384"},{"product_id":"titania-black-currant-bundle-of-2","title":"Titania Black Currant (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003cp\u003eNew Variety. Description Coming Soon!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"1-2 ft.","offer_id":45181660430402,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/MontanaFruitTreeCoPhotoComingSoon_0933486d-e16e-4108-805f-bee693c18ee5.png?v=1788986678"},{"product_id":"royalty-purple-raspberry-bundle-of-3","title":"Royalty Purple Raspberry (Bundle of 3)","description":"\u003cp\u003eNew Variety. Description Coming Soon!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45181660561474,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/MontanaFruitTreeCoPhotoComingSoon_78c11e54-1b2f-491a-9ffc-60def78f3a45.png?v=1788986684"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/collections\/best-berries-for-sauce-butter.oembed","provider":"Montana Fruit Trees","version":"1.0","type":"link"}