Blackberry

Now that the mornings are cooler and the daylight is shorter I have been busy harvesting herbs and seeds while the season permits. I love summer but the joys of autumn are wonderful too with the amazing bounty on offer. We have picked and picked blackberries, frozen some and made others into dessert. I think we'll try and squeeze another pick in before the rain that's forecast.

Where to find them: around riverbeds, wasteground and patches on the edge of quiet country areas, away from areas that have been sprayed.

What to wear: long clothes and sturdy shoes - those spines are prickly!

The bees and other pollinators love the flowers and they are edible too.

Blackberry, Rubus plicatus, has medicinal uses too.

🌱You know they're nutritious because they need thorns to keep us and other animals away. They are high in vitamin C and bioflavonoids. In fact, they are a nutrient rich powerhouse with high levels of Manganese and vitamin K and many other vitamins and minerals.

🌱They are a berry that is low in histamines for those who have a heightened allergic response.

🌱They have antioxidant properties and this may protect against cancer and cardiovascular disease. The phenols including anthocyanidins are responsible for its antioxidant effects.

🌱There are some early studies to indicate it has antiinflammatory activity. It has historically been used to reduce oedema and inflammation.

🌱In the lab, studies have shown it may have anti-diabetic effects although human studies have not shown this so far.

🌱Blackberry juice has been shown to have anxiety reducing effects in rats.

Here is some inspo with yummy treats to make from your harvest.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/food-drink/recipes/131447453/nicola-galloways-recipes-raid-the-blackberry-patch-and-get-baking

Blackberry, Rubus plicatus