Gooseberries  are woody perennial shrubs that reach a height of 1 - 2 metres when mature. Unlike other fruiting plants, they will tolerate partial shade, gooseberries  are very winter hardy, 
Although ripe gooseberries are hard to come by, both red and green types darken in color as they mature, taking on a boozy, Muscat grape-like flavor. When they are consumed raw and unripe, gooseberries taste like sour grapes.