How to Pick Blackberries: Foraging Top Tips

Have you spotted any blackberries in your area yet? September and October is usually the best time to pick blackberries, but with a good summer you might be lucky and find them earlier! We’ve had success foraging in August before now, so it’s definitely worth keeping an eye out.
If you’ve not tried picking blackberries before, you really should! They’re a tasty, healthy treat and best of all, they’re free. Seriously, what’s not to love? If you’re wondering how to pick blackberries, here are some foraging top tips:
Finding the Best Blackberries
Look out for blackberries which are of a reasonable size, shiny and firm to the touch. You can test for ripeness by twisting the berry between your thumb and finger. If it comes off easily, then it’s ripe. Ripe berries will usually be shiny and black, rather than red. Berries which look purple or very small and hard are often tasteless and dry, so are best left on the branch.
It might go without saying, but avoid picking blackberries from bushes which are next to busy roads or popular dog-walking spots. Of cours,e if they’re high up and out of the reach of dogs, that’s fine. Just don’t risk any injuries by trying to reach blackberries that are really high up (yes, we’ve done that…).
Storing Your Berries
Unfortunately blackberries can go squidgy all too quickly. If you can, use them straight after picking. Soak them in a bowl of water quickly to remove any dirt, dust or bugs, then add them to a smoothie, make a crumble or whatever else you fancy.
If you’re not able to use them immediately, pop them in the fridge (unwashed) until you’re ready. If you’ve picked more than you can use (lucky you!), they freeze well too. Separate small bunches into bags, or freeze them on a tray. When you’re ready to use them, defrost them overnight or throw them straight into a pan if you’re going to be cooking them anyway.
Have any more foraging top tips to share? Let us know below!
#Food & Drink #Food guides & reviews #blackberries #foraging #blackberry

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