Blackberries

Fruits

How to Select Blackberries

Think “dark and plump”

  • Blackberries should be deep purple & black in color
  • Look for plump berries that are firm to the touch, not wrinkled or dried out

When are Blackberries in Season?

Blackberries are native to North America and grow in the wild all over the Pacific Northwest. Oregon and California produce most of the blackberries in the US, with a few states following behind, including Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, and Arkansas.

Blackberries grow and ripen between late spring and early fall, making their peak season typically from July to August. Harvesting begins slightly earlier in the Southern states.

Varieties of Blackberries

There are many delicious varieties of blackberries for you to enjoy!

Trailing blackberries grow almost anywhere in temperate weather. They are abundant and popular for their small seeds, sweetness, tartness, and juiciness.

Erect blackberries grow better in harsher climates. But while the plants are strong and sturdy, the blackberries tend to be smaller and less sweet than other varieties.

Semi-erect blackberries are the middle ground between trailing and erect blackberries. These blackberry bushes produce large berries and massive yields, but the flavor and aroma still don’t reach the levels of trailing blackberries.

There are also many blackberry hybrids.

Boysenberries are reddish-purple berries that are sweeter than typical blackberries. Loganberries are a cross between blackberries and raspberries with a dark red color and tart taste that is perfect for pies, wines, and juices.

Marionberries are a cross between different blackberry plants and account for over half of Oregon’s blackberry production. They’re juicy, sweet, and have a slightly ea

Blackberry Nutrition Facts & Benefits

Blackberries are not only tasty, but they’re also nutritious!

One cup of blackberries contains:

  • Approximately 62 calories
  • 0.7 grams of fat
  • 2 grams of protein
  • 14 grams of carbohydrates
  • 7 grams of sugar
  • 8 grams of fiber
  • 233 mg of potassium

Blackberries offer various health benefits, too — they’re packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and more!

  1. Blackberries are packed with vitamin C, which may help reduce cancer-causing substances in your body.
  2. With 8 grams of fiber per cup, blackberries are an excellent way to improve your overall metabolic health.

Blackberries are also antioxidant powerhouses, helping prevent disease development and boosting your overall health.

How to Store Blackberries

Think “cold and dry”

  • Blackberries need to be refrigerated – they will dehydrate & lose their “plump-ness” if stored at room temperature
  • Blackberries should NOT be washed prior to storage – they will begin to break down when they are wet.  Only wash blackberries right before you plan to serve & eat.

How to Prepare Blackberries

Check out some of my favorite methods for preparing and enjoying blackberries — you can make almost anything with this fresh fruit!

If you want a sweet treat, you can top a classic cheesecake with a mixture of blackberries, sugar, and water, or you can bake a blackberry cobbler and top it with whipped cream or your favorite ice cream.

Blackberry scones are an excellent way to use leftover berries; they’re easy to make, taste delicious, and pair with almost anything! You can even whip up some blackberry jam to go along with them if you don’t want to serve them the classic way with a vanilla glaze or clotted cream.

You can also complement savory dishes with blackberry sauces and glazes!

There are also many different beverages you can make with blackberries. You can mash some blackberries with a little sugar and add it to any of your favorite drinks, create yummy summer cocktails, make some blackberry lemonade, or blend some frozen berries with other fruits to make a sweet smoothie.

How to Serve Blackberries