Blackberries

+Description

Blackberries grow on thorny canes or brambles. They are the largest of all berries. Blackberries are native to England. The berries are plump and have a Purplish-black colour. Actually blackberries are tiny fruits clustered together around a core. Each tiny fruit contains a little seed. The core is edible and remains in the fruit even when ripe. Blackberries have a sweet taste. Next to the fresh blackberries there are also dried blackberries available, which are in season whole year round.

+Availability

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Blackberries are available from Guatamala, Mexico,The Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.

+Main nutrients

Copper, Fiber, Folate, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, Vitamin C, E and K.

Main varieties

Blackberries

The blackberries are plump and have a Purplish-black colour. Actually blackberries are tiny fruits clustered together around a core.
View Blackberries

Preparation

There are many ways to prepare the blackberry. Nevertheless every preparation starts with washing it. When this is done the blackberry can be eaten raw, cooked or converted into juice.

Consumption

Blackberries can be used fresh or dried and are commonly eaten out-of-hand. Blackberries are sweet and therefore popular for salads, yoghurt, juices, sauces and stuffing cakes and cookies.

When to eat

Blackberries are red and hard when they are immature and turn black and shiny when they ripen. The best berries are plump and have a deep black colour. Avoid overripe blackberries, which are often dull and soft. Blackberries should be stored in the refrigerator.

Did you know?

Blackberries are also known as "black caps".
The blackberry leaf was also used as an early hair dye, in order to "make the hair black".
Blackberries were enjoyed by the ancient Greeks, who believed them to be a cure for diseases of the mouth and throat, as well as a preventative against many ailments, including gout.
In the 'top antioxidants' league blackberries are in the top 10.