The thorny blackberry

Yum, it's blackberry season. Blackberry, Rubus fruticosus, is the thorniest of the brambles. They're another noxious weed in New Zealand. We have had them popping up in our backyard, one is even entangled in our boysenberry. We also have planted a thornless one but the wild ones taste so much better. We have found a spot to forage them away from sprays. My daughter picked nearly a bucketful in the time I picked about quarter of her haul (and she had less scratches than I did too!). The bees love the flowers (like they do with all brambles).

Blackberries are a nutrient powerhouse and have especiallly high levels of vitamin C and manganese as well as being great for those on keto and low carb diets. They are also one of few fruits that are low in oxalates. They have high antioxidant levels.

These berries are thought to:

💚 Prevent cancer.

💚 Support cognitive and brain function.

💚Support the immune system, reduce inflammation and fight infection.

💚Support the cardiovascular system.

💚Protects and promotes healthy skin.

💚Balance female hormones.