Blackberries: All About the Berry!

Blackberries are certainly among the most popular fruits, alongside such fruits as currants, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. In summer, blackberries are particularly refreshing and also offer some health benefits. You can find out in this article why you should integrate these healthy berries and fruits into your diet more often from now on.

All about the blackberry – what exactly are blackberries?

The blackberry, or Rubus fruticosus, belongs to the widespread rose family. In technical terms, plants of the rose family are also called Rosaceae. The fruit-bearing bushes of the blackberries can grow up to 3 meters high and are studded with thorns. There are now also newly bred stingless varieties of blackberry fruits to make collection easier. In some areas, the blackberry is also called "scratchberry."

Botanically speaking, blackberries are not berries, but collected stone fruits. The name blackberries comes from the many small single berries that make up the fruits.

Where does the blackberry come from and where does it grow?

Blackberries are originally native to the forests of Europe, Asia, and North America. Meanwhile, the fruit blackberries also grow in South America. Blackberries prefer a sunny to semi-shaded location, as is often found in forest clearings. Wild blackberries are relatively small compared to the high-yielding cultivars.

When do blackberries ripen?

Blackberries ripen in summer. The grape-shaped fruits are formed on the side shoots and stems of last year's rods. They can be harvested between July and the autumn months. In good years, blackberries can even be harvested until the first frost night.

What does the blackberry taste like?

Basically, blackberries can be described as very juicy, tasty, and sweet to sour fruits. That's why blackberries are so popular and versatile; more on that later.

How healthy are blackberries actually?

The fruits contain many healthy nutrients; even their dye, anthocyanins, has a positive effect on the fluidity of the blood. This is particularly beneficial for keeping the vessels and heart intact. The vegetable dye in the fruit can also inhibit the growth of fungi, the spread of bacteria, and even cancer cells in the body.

It is known that berries, specifically blackberries, are good for one's figure and the immune system. The blackberry is certainly not exempt from this. Blackberries are low in calories and contain many important vitamins, such as vitamins C and E, which strengthen the immune system and act as cell protectors. In addition, blackberries have a high content of beta-carotene, which positively affects vision and skin appearance. Above all, the fruits are a great addition to your breakfast! The fruits taste particularly delicious in porridge , muesli or granola .

The health benefits of blackberries at a glance

Blackberries strengthen the body in many ways. Thanks to minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, blackberries strengthen bones and teeth and, above all, positively influence the blood. This manifests itself in a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering blood lipids and cholesterol levels. In addition, blackberries also promote blood formation due to their high iron content.

Blackberries are fruits and a good source of polyphenols, especially anthocyanins, micronutrients, and fiber. In epidemiological and clinical studies, the ingredients of blackberries have been associated with improved cardiovascular risk profiles.

Human intervention studies with aronia berries, cranberries , blueberries, and strawberries (either fresh or as juice or freeze-dried) or purified anthocyanin extracts have shown significant improvements in LDL oxidation, lipid peroxidation, total plasma antioxidant capacity, dyslipidemia, and glucose metabolism. ^​1​

How do I best store blackberries?

Blackberries should be eaten as soon as possible after purchase or collection, as the ripe fruits are very susceptible to mold. If storage is necessary, blackberries should be stored in the refrigerator. For long-term storage, you can also freeze blackberries, preferably individually first, for an hour. You can then pack them together in a freezer bag.

Versatile use and preparation of blackberries

Apart from the fact that blackberries (Rubus) taste great as a snack for fresh eating, you can also add them to many dishes as a delicious addition. They are especially good for a healthy breakfast, for example in combination with Verival products such as porridge and cereal. As a topping, you can also combine blackberries with almost any other fruit or different seeds and berries.

It is not uncommon for blackberries to be found in combination with strawberries , blueberries , currants , raspberries or oatmeal in our cereals , granola and porridges. Blackberries (Rubus) also enhance sweet dishes and desserts such as ice cream or cakes with the right level of acidity and freshness, adding their personal dose of vitamins. Because of their high juice content, you can also use blackberries to make jam, jelly, or fruit juice.

Crunchy yogurt and currant bowl

Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

• 250 g yoghurt
• 75 g Verival Spelt Crunchy
• A handful of blackberries

Preparation

• Fill your reusable jar with 200g of yogurt.
• Top the yogurt with the spelt crunchy.
• Mix the rest of the yogurt with 3-4 blackberries and spread over the crunchy.
• Finish your breakfast with some fresh blackberries.

Can I also plant blackberries at home?

Blackberries (Rubus) are very sturdy and can easily be planted at home. It is best to do this in early spring, as the roots grow fastest in moist soil that is already warmed up. If you do not plant the shrub in a pot, but outside, a windless place in partial shade, for example in front of a house wall, is recommended. It varies depending on the variety type.

But beware: When choosing the varieties, you should definitely pay attention to the growth strength, as a 2-meter shrub could easily overwhelm the dimensions of your small garden. Therefore, they must also be planted with a distance of 1.5 meters and be completely covered with soil. For blackberries, you should definitely use a trellis or a climbing aid so that they remain manageable in their vigorous growth. Parts of the shrub should also be cut back regularly to the ground. Protective clothing is recommended when cutting blackberries. If you have a little less space available, the Navaho blackberry variety is very suitable because it is an upright-growing variety.

Before you put the shrub in the ground, you should know that thornless varieties do not tolerate cold well. Depending on the varieties, you should find out exactly which types of soil or peculiarities they need. The soil should therefore always be easily accessible to the sun and be warmed. Simply dig up the soil and plant the blackberry bush of your choice. Important : The root ball must be well watered before planting.

Incorporating compost during planting enriches the soil with nutrients and gives the plant a good start. A little compost in spring is recommended – only in very nutrient-poor soils should some berry fertilizer be used in addition. After planting, the soil should be well watered and ideally covered with a layer of mulch – this protects it from drying out.

Otherwise, there is not much to say about the soil for the blackberry, as the blackberry is not picky in and of itself. Blackberry bushes are hardy; however, since the young rods freeze in temperatures below minus 15 degrees Celsius, it is advisable to protect the plants from the cold in very harsh winters.

If you follow a few important tips, not much can go wrong when planting your own berry bushes, and you may be able to see the fruits ripen and harvest your blackberries as early as next summer.

Blackberry varieties at a glance

Here are a few more examples of berry varieties – find out which is best for your garden – as with most fruit trees, there are also numerous cultivars of blackberry.