Are these beyond saving?

Found what appear to be gooseberry bushes at my new allotment. They aren't looking very healthy to say the least but are they beyond saving?

I know CPR....

 

Hi, Sarah. First question is...do you like gooseberries? They are deciduous and do look pretty deadly in winter. I'd give them the benefit of the doubt and see how they crop this year. They don't look very old or decrepit. See also if you get on alright harvesting the fruit, as it can be a painful and prickly experience!

 

look fine to me a bit of TLC will work wonders , remove all the grass and give them a good mulch. Dont prune as you will cut off all the flowers wait till the Autumn to get them sorted out
not bad 1st year and you will have fruit

You even have a label , lots of cuttings for planting next November

 

Have to admit I've never tried them! Dont want to get rid of an otherwise living plant though

 

My mother had them in her garden and my memory is they are a firm, hairy, tart fruit. She made fabulous crumbles, pies and a stewed fruit topping for ice cream with them I'm sure there must be lots of recipes on the web so you can use them up and feed your family for pennies. Here you go:- "What to do with gooseberries" (BBC Good Food)

 

Traditionally gooseberries are a rather tart fruit (one I don't like) and needs a lot of sugar to sweeten them..

But I'm sure that I've seen new varieties that are sweeter than the traditional ones..

 

I love gooseberries, they do need to be picked ripe but gently poached with plenty of sugar and an almond frangipan topping they are superb!