River Cottage Foraging for food - Blackberries

Date Published:

07/09/2007

Blackberry picking is a great introduction to foraging. Easy to identify and easy to pick, blackberries grow in abundance throughout the UK. It's a satisfying feeling to return home after an Autumn walk and a battle with the thorny branches, laden with blackberries.

What to look for

Bushes with short, sharp thorns and deep green, drop-shaped leaves. White or pink flowers in May carry the clusters of dark purple berries in Autumn, hanging from the ends of the branches.

Where to look

Look for brambles cascading down hedgerows and walls along many country lanes or by the roadside. They can be found all over the UK from urban areas to woodland and hillsides. Blackberries will grow in very poor soil so will thrive in any undisturbed waste ground or canalside within your town or city.

When to go

In early Autumn the berries turn from green, to red, to purple. So go out in September and check out the brambles near to you. A plump but firm, purple-black berry is best! The later fruit is smaller and not so sweet. These can still be picked and used for jam or puddings where sugar is added.

Top tips

Pick the early fruit as it is sweeter. Avoid berries that are too soft as they will break down during washing, and could also develop mould. Watch out for tiny bugs if you are going to eat straight from the bush. It's better to take them home and give them a good wash to take care of any unwanted creatures! Steer clear of areas with lots of busy roads, heavy traffic or close to crop spraying to avoid pollution.

Storage

Wash the berries and gently pat with kitchen paper to dry off as much excess water as possible to prevent them freezing into a solid mass. Freeze in sealable containers to simply scoop out and defrost when needed. They can also be preserved by making into a jam or jelly from fresh to last you til next years crop!

Recipes ideas

Use as an alternative to shop bought (and over priced) blueberries. They also make great smoothies, jam, autumn puddings and sauces.

Blackberry brandy is a wonderful drink at Christmas and so easy to make. For each pound of blackberries, add 8oz of sugar and a pint of (own brand) brandy. Bottle and leave until Christmas, shaking the bottle every few days.

The smell after a short time is heavenly but rest assured...the longer you leave it the better it tastes!

Words: Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.