Gooseberry fool is a traditional British dessert consisting primarily of stewed gooseberries folded into sweetened whipped cream or custard. The earliest known recipes date to the late 16th century, making it one of Britain's oldest documented desserts.
Historically, the dessert utilized tart gooseberries, which were abundant in British gardens, particularly during the summer months. Regionally, gooseberry fool has been associated with northern England, where gooseberry bushes thrived, and it was commonly served during festive occasions.
The name "fool" is believed to derive from the French word "fouler," meaning "to crush" or "to press," referring to the preparation of the fruit. (See more at fool)