The Black Velvet gooseberry (Ribes hybrid) is a"dessert quality" variety with a grape and blueberry flavor. Although gooseberries are often processed for consumption, Black Velvet is wonderful when eaten fresh.
 
I liken gooseberries to an early-to-ripen grape here in Philadelphia. They ripen in July, table grapes in August, and Muscadine grapes ripen in September and October for a longer window of a similar eating experience. For me, they're a must-grow.
 
Black Velvet is extremely hardy, self-fertile, and can easily be maintained at a 5x5 ft size. Simply remove 3-year-old canes or trunks at the base of the plant on an annual basis.