Harvest Profile: Blackberries
Growing blackberries in your own backyard brings an array of remarkable advantages that extend beyond the mere pleasure of gardening. Having these berries within easy reach means you can indulge in their freshness anytime, straight from the bush to your table, which is a luxury that store-bought berries seldom offer. This not only elevates the taste of your meals and snacks but also contributes to a healthier diet by ensuring you're consuming fruits free from unwanted chemicals and pesticides.
Another compelling reason to grow blackberries at home is the significant cost savings. Berries are often considered premium fruits and can be quite expensive, particularly when seeking out organic options. By nurturing your own bushes, you can enjoy an abundant supply of organic blackberries without the hefty price tag, allowing you to allocate your grocery budget to other needs or desires.
Nutritionally, blackberries are loaded with manganese, a mineral that supports the body in many ways, including aiding in the metabolism of amino acids, cholesterol, glucose, and carbohydrates. Plus, the presence of antioxidants in blackberries, particularly anthocyanins, which give the fruit its distinctive dark color, contributes to the reduction of inflammation in the body. These antioxidants are also celebrated for their potential in fighting oxidative stress and may lower the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
Incorporating blackberries into your diet is a smart choice for those looking to enhance their nutritional intake. The convenience of stepping into your garden to pick fresh, chemical-free berries adds an element of simplicity to achieving a healthier lifestyle. Whether eaten fresh, blended into a smoothie, or used as a topping for cereals and salads, blackberries offer a versatile and tasty way to boost your nutrient consumption. By growing blackberries right in your backyard, you're not just cultivating a plant, but you're also nurturing your health with every berry you harvest.
Growing Blackberries
To grow blackberries, start by choosing a sunny location with well-draining soil. Plant blackberry bushes in rows about 3-4 feet apart, and make sure to water them regularly. Prune the bushes in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and a better harvest.Blackberries thrive in slightly acidic soil, so consider testing and amending the soil if needed. Mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Be on the lookout for pests and diseases, and address any issues promptly to keep your blackberry bushes healthy.
Harvest blackberries when they are fully ripe and easily come off the plant with a gentle tug. Enjoy them fresh, or use them in delicious recipes like pies, jams, and smoothies. With proper care and attention, your blackberry bushes will provide you with a bountiful harvest for years to come.
Eating Blackberries
Unlocking the culinary potential of your garden's blackberries can transform your meals and treats into delightful experiences. Imagine starting your day with a refreshing blackberry smoothie or topping your morning oatmeal with these juicy berries for an instant nutrient boost. For those with a sweet tooth, a homemade blackberry cobbler or a scoop of blackberry sorbet can satisfy cravings while incorporating the fruits of your labor. Blackberries also make a fantastic jam and syrup. Most grocery stores don’t carry a good blackberry syrup so don’t miss out!
Featured Recipe
Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 15 Minutes Total: 30 Minutes
Equipment
Potato Masher
Mason Jars (Half-Pint)
Funnel
Fine Mesh Strainer
Ingredients
2.5 quarts fresh or frozen blackberries ( about 8 cups)
2 Tablespoons Lemon juice
7 cups granulated sugar
1 packet Sure Jell Certo liquid fruit pectin
Instructions
(If you are planning to can the jam, prepare waterbath and sterilize jars).
Clean berries just before using. Add the blackberries and lemon juice to an extra-large saucepan. Mash with a potato masher and simmer for a few minutes, to break down the fruit.
(Optional, but recommended:) Use a food mill, or press mixture through a fine mesh strainer, into a bowl, to remove seeds.
Measure out 4 cups of berry juice and add to an extra-large heavy bottomed stock pot. Add 2-3 spoonfuls of the leftover seeds for blackberry “jam”. (Jelly uses the juice only).
Add sugar and stir to combine. Turn burner to medium low, stirring occasionally, cooking for several minutes until sugar has dissolved.
Increase the heat to medium high, and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a full boil (a rolling boil that can’t be stirred down).
Add the pouch of pectin, stirring continuously, and allow to return to a full boil. Set a timer for 1 minute, stirring continuously, and remove from the heat after 1 minute.
Pour jam into prepared jars and seal with lids.
For Freezer Blackberry Jam: Allow the jam to cool at room temperature for 24 hours, then store in the fridge for up to 1 month, or the freezer for up to 1 year.
To Can: Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (or longer if at high altitude*). Allow to rest on your counter for 24 hours, to ensure the jars settle and seal properly. Check seals, and store jam in a cool, dry place for up to one year.
