Blackberries
recipe collection
There is a moment every year when the hedgerows turn purple ...
At first you notice a handful of blackberries tucked amongst the leaves. Then, seemingly overnight, the hedgerows are groaning under the weight of them.
This is when I start carrying a basket whenever I go out, because you never know when you're going to come across a particularly good patch. And there is something wonderfully satisfying about standing at the side of a lane, reaching into the brambles for the biggest, fattest berries you can find, and coming home with purple-stained fingers.
Of course, you rarely come home with just the amount you intended to pick ... A few for eating .... A few for a crumble.
Perhaps some for the freezer.
And then suddenly you've got a bowlful staring at you from the kitchen worktop and you're wondering what on earth you're going to do with all of them.
That's where the fun starts.
So What Can You Do With Blackberries?
“There is a kind of magic about blackberries — dark as ink, sweet as summer and growing wild where no one thought to plant them.”
From the Hedgerow to the Kitchen
hedgerow sips
When Blackberries Collab
Frequently Asked Questions About Blackberries
When are blackberries in season?
In the UK, blackberries generally start appearing in late summer and continue into early autumn, although the exact timing varies with the weather and where you live.
How do I know when a blackberry is ripe?
A ripe blackberry should be deep, almost ink-black, plump and come away easily when picked. If you have to tug at it, leave it for another day or two.
Should I wash blackberries before using them?
Yes. Give them a gentle rinse under cool running water just before using them. They are delicate, so avoid soaking them for too long.
Can I freeze blackberries?
Absolutely. Spread them in a single layer on a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They are particularly useful for crumbles, sauces, jams and smoothies.
Can I use blackberries straight from the hedgerow?
You can, but choose your picking spot carefully. Avoid fruit growing beside busy roads, areas that may have been sprayed with chemicals, or places where contamination from animals is likely. Give foraged fruit a good wash before eating.
Can I pick blackberries from any hedgerow?
Not necessarily. Make sure you have permission to pick where you are, and take only what you need. A little consideration goes a long way — particularly when everyone, including the birds, has their eye on the same berries.
Why are my blackberries very sour?
Some varieties are naturally sharper than others, and berries picked before they are fully ripe can be quite tart. Don't despair ... those sharper berries are often brilliant for cooking and preserving, where a little sugar can bring them into balance.
What goes well with blackberries?
Blackberries love apples, pears, lemon, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, rosemary, thyme, walnuts and dark chocolate. On the savoury side, try them with pork, duck, game and strong cheeses.
Jo's Kitchen Notes
Blackberries are gloriously forgiving, which is one of the reasons I love them.
A slightly battered bowl of berries doesn't need to be treated like precious fruit. If they're going into a crumble, jam or sauce, nobody is going to mind if they're not perfectly shaped.
A few things I've learnt along the way:
Don't wash them until you're ready to use them. They are delicate little things and won't thank you for sitting around damp in the fridge.
Taste before you sweeten. Blackberry sweetness can vary enormously. Some are wonderfully jammy and sweet; others will make your face fold in on itself. Adjust the sugar according to the fruit rather than blindly following a recipe.
Pair them with apple. Honestly, you can hardly go wrong. Apple brings sweetness and softness, while blackberry brings colour, acidity and that wonderful wild-fruit flavour.
Don't throw away the sharp ones. They're often the best berries for preserving because they bring plenty of acidity to the party.
For a smooth sauce or jelly, strain thoroughly. Blackberry seeds are perfectly edible, but if you're after something silky, a fine sieve or jelly bag is your friend.
And finally... don't be too precious about quantities. Blackberry recipes are often wonderfully adaptable. If you've picked 700g instead of 500g, don't panic. Work out your proportions, taste as you go and trust your instincts. After all, this is Nature's Larder. It doesn't come with a set of measuring spoons.
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