Can you freeze blackberries?

Yes! Blackberries freeze beautifully. I usually freeze mine in a single layer on a tray before transferring them to a freezer bag. They can be used straight from frozen in cakes, crumbles, sauces and even my blackberry shortbread, so there's no need to thaw them first.

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Do I need to wash blackberries before freezing?

I usually wait until I'm ready to use them. Washing before freezing can make them softer and encourage ice crystals to form. If they're home-picked and clean, I simply freeze them dry and wash them when needed.

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Can you bake with frozen blackberries?

Absolutely. Frozen blackberries work wonderfully in baking and help keep their shape. I often fold them straight into biscuit and cake mixtures without defrosting, which also helps prevent the mixture turning purple.

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How long do fresh blackberries last?

Fresh blackberries are best eaten within two or three days of picking. They're delicate fruit, so if you can't use them quickly, freezing is the easiest way to preserve them.

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Can you freeze blackberry curd?

Yes. Blackberry curd freezes surprisingly well. Spoon it into airtight containers, leaving a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before using.

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How do you remove the seeds from blackberries?

For a smooth curd, coulis or ice cream, cook the blackberries until soft, then press them through a fine sieve. It takes a few minutes, but you're left with a beautifully smooth puree.

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Can you eat wild blackberries?

Yes, provided you've correctly identified them and picked them from a clean area away from busy roads or places where pesticides may have been used. Always wash them before eating.

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When is blackberry season in the UK?

Blackberry season usually begins in late July and continues through August into September, depending on the weather. Hedgerows often produce fruit over several weeks, making them one of my favourite late summer ingredients.

What flavours go well with blackberries?

Blackberries pair beautifully with apples, pears, lemon, orange, vanilla, cinnamon, almonds, hazelnuts, white chocolate, dark chocolate and creamy cheeses such as mascarpone. For savoury dishes, they're lovely alongside duck, venison and rich game.

Why are some blackberries sour?

The ripest blackberries are usually glossy black and come away from the stem easily. Fruit picked a little early can be quite tart, although that's often perfect for jams, chutneys and sauces where a little sharpness adds balance.

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Can you use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?

Yes. In most recipes they're interchangeable. Frozen berries release a little more juice, but that often makes them perfect for sauces, crumbles and baking.

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​Looking for blackberry inspiration?  Then Continue Cooking With Me  ...

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Jo's Kitchen Notes

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Freeze a few handfuls of blackberries every August ...

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I rarely manage to use every blackberry while they're in season, so I always tuck a few bags into the freezer. It means I can make blackberry shortbread, curd or a quick compote long after the hedgerows have emptied and autumn has turned to winter. x

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