Blackberry (Rubus spp.)

By Hklbrries

Blackberries and Dew Berries are an integral part of growing up in the South. Every child knew where the sweetest patch was located and visited it frequently during summer vacation.

When picking blackberries for jelly or jam, Mom always told us to pick a few of the half ripe ones. They have more of the natural pectins, so will make your batch of jelly or jam "jell" better. When doing serious picking, you should dress for it, with long pants and long sleeved light weight shirts, and also wear socks because the thorns can be vicious. We also used to carry a large stick to help push the canes asidde and to probe the inside of the mass of vines to chase the snakes away. (Snakes don't eat berries, but like to lie in wait for the birds and rodents that do).

But the delicious fruits are worth the trouble, since they can be eaten raw or made into pies, jellies, preserves, or even syrup. The stem tips can be steeped in boiling water for a wonderful tea.

Description:

Parts used: Fruit, stem tips

Dew berries root at the tips of canes and have single flowers. Blackberry canes don't root at the tips and have many flowered clusters. Found in alluvial soils.

Uses: Fruit, jelly, cold drink, tea salad.

Edibility: Outstanding quality, abundant.

Ingredients

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Preparation

Step 1

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