Blackberries

It is the season for blackberries! They start popping up everywhere across the UK from July to October. It is said that late august is the best time of year to pick them but I reckon anytime is good.

I have a evergrowing blackberry bush in my garden and its a true delight to pick them with my son and watch our fingers turn purple. Its even more fun to go on a hunt for them in one of our favourite wooded spots and take in some fresh air and bird song. But that is not where the fun ends.

Whether you grow your own, forage from your local hedges or buy a pack from the supermarket, it is always best to give your berries a good wash before you eat them.

If yours are shop bought then a little rinse is also great as it can protect you and your family from food-borne illnesses like norovirus and remove any lingering pesticide residues that have been sprayed on their surfaces.

I created the berry bowl to add a sprinkle of handmade delight to the task or washing your fruits. My aim is that they can aids making this part of your process enjoyable and pretty. Check them out in the shop by following this link.

If you're foraging then always avoid picking berries along by any busy roads, as these berries may have soaked up car fumes and no amount of rinsing is likely to remove those nasties.

If you're keen to get picking then I suggest heading to your local woodlands and/or country lanes and trying to pick high up on the bushes. Low hanging berries may have been watered by a passing dog on its walkies, so best to avoid those ones if you can!

Once you have your berries at home, take your time to give them a good rinse at the sink. When they are all washed and glossy its time to get creative. There are many recipes out there and I have linked some of my fav’s at the bottom of this page for you to explore another time.

This year myself and my son made a blackberry cordial inspired by @foraged.by.fern and used the left over pulp to make frozen yogurt bark.

Blackberry Cordial:

In a saucepan with a lid, add 2 cups of washed berries, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of water and the juice of 1 lemon.
Bring this mixture to boil on the hob and allow to simmer for 15 minutes. Use a large spoon to stir and break down the berries.
Cool to warm and strain the liquid through a muslin cloth, squeezing gently to release all the juices.
Place this in a bottle or jar in the fridge for unto 2 weeks and enjoy with sparkling water for a tasty refreshing treat.

Perfect in a short tumbler!

Blackberry frozen yogurt bark:

Using the left over pulp from your homemade cordial, mix with a plain coconut yogurt.
Line a baking tray with baking parchment. Pour our the mixture to a thickness of 1cm and decorate with a few extra berries and a handful of crushed nuts.
Cover with foil or more parchment paper and freeze overnight. Take out the next day and break into delicious shards and store in a resealable freezer bag.
Keep in the freezer for upto 6 months and enjoy as a refreshing snack on a hot day.