Blackberry facts: history, folklore and scientific facts

The devil ruins blackberries after Michaelmas

One of the most famous English folk stories states that blackberries should not be picked after Michaelmas Day as the devil has urinated on them, angry after he fell from Heaven onto a blackberry bush. The legend has some truth as wetter and cooler weather in late October often allows the fruit to spoil, but it should not be taken literally – blackberries picked in late October can still be very tasty!

Bramble thorns caused the downfall of one Greek hero

The Greeks enjoyed blackberries and believed them to be a cure for mouth and throat diseases. According to Greek mythology, the hero Belleraphon was thrown into brambles after he dared to ride the Pegasus to Mount Olympus. He was blinded by the thorns in his fall and wandered alone and outcast thereafter.

Truces were called during the Civil War to pick blackberries

During the Civil War, blackberry tea was said to be the best cure for dysentery. Temporary truces were declared throughout the conflict to allow both Union and Confederate soldiers to forage for blackberries. It was not completely successful however, as outbreaks of dysentery still plagued the soldiers throughout the war.

What is the scientific study of blackberries called?

Surprisingly, Batology is the name given to the study of blackberries. Chiropterology is the study of bats. Just to confuse you even further – a batologist is defined as someone who studies blackberries but is also frequently and probably mistakenly used a colloquial and humorous term for someone who studies bats.

Unripe blackberries are red, not green

Blackberry fruit are red in colour, rather than green, before they are ripe. There is an old expression that “blackberries are red when they’re green”.

Tradition also claims that the blackberry’s deep purple colour represents Christ’s blood and the crown of thorns was made of brambles.

What are the health benefits of eating blackberries?

According to English folklore, passing under the archway formed by a bramble branch can cure hernias, ruptures, pimples and boils. This has also been used as a remedy for “downer” cows, cows that for whatever reason are unable to stand.

Apparently, eating blackberries can also help you look younger, as blackberries are rich in anti-oxidants that promote the healthy tightening of tissue, making your skin less likely to sag or wrinkle.

Blackberries have also be been used as hair dye with Nicholas Culpeper, an English herbalist from the 1600s, recommended the blackberry leaf to be used as hair dye. He advised that the leaves were to be boiled in a lye solution in order to “maketh the hair black”.

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Best places for picking blackberries

Brambles can be found in most woodlands, but here is a small selection of places to start your blackberry hunt. Here is our pick of a couple of our favourite blackberry picking spots.

Leigh Woods, Bristol

Leigh Woods in Bristol offers rich pickings, with the woodlands stuffed full of tasty blackberries.

New Forest, Hampshire

New Forest, Hampshire offers excellent blackberry picking and is a scenic spot for a blackberry walk.

Wimbledon Common, London

A more urban blackberry picking spot is Wimbledon Common in south west London. Commons are often quite wild in places, giving brambles chance to thrive.

Limewoods, Lincolnshire

Take a walk to a rare and precious limewood at Limewoods, Lincolnshire. where the new bright green leaves are the essence of springtime and it is possible to see white admiral and brown hairstreak butterflies.

Haldon Forest Park, Devon

Head deep into Haldon Forest Park to discover the secrets of the park’s magnificent trees.

Kielder Forest, Northumberland

Kielder Forest, Northumberland. Walk an epic lakeside path or observe the mysteries of the universe in a beautiful man-made landscape.

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How to store blackberries

Once you’ve brought your blackberries home, wash well with cold water and leave to soak with a little salt to kill any bugs. Fresh blackberries will last a day or two but blackberries ripen quickly – losing flavour and condition, so if you have a glut to use up it is worth freezing. Wash the blackberries and set aside to dry before spreading in thin layers in a container and popping in the freezer for a later date. Alternatively, you can stew with a little suger and puree, again freezing or keeping in the fridge.

Can you freeze blackberries?

Blackberries freeze well and can be used throughout winter in crumbles and pies.  Freezing them will also help kill any bugs.

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Best blackberry recipes

Use up a glut of blackberries with these easy recipes.

Blackberry and apple mini pies

Make these fruity mini pies using freshly foraged blackberries

Apple and blackberry crumble squares

Like classic fruit crumble but in a cuttable, transportable bar, these delicious crumble squares are perfect for a summer picnic.

Apple and blackberry sorbet 

This fruity sorbet recipe uses golden syrup instead of granulated sugar gives to give it a soft texture. If you can, use blackberries that you’ve picked yourself from the hedgerow – they taste far more intense than the big fat ones you buy in the shops.

Blackberry Cobbler

This simple recipe is quick and easy to make and a great way for all the family to enjoy this season’s blackberries.

Blackberry coulis

This blackberry coulis uses only three ingredients and freezes well, making it the perfect recipe to use up the blackberries you’ve picked during the summer months- keep a batch in the freezer and use it as a topping the next time you make pancakes or chocolate fudge cake

Apple and blackberry crumble 

This classic crumble is easy to make and a perfect recipe for the late summer months, when hedgerow blackberries are abundant.

Blackberry vinegar

If you love balsamic vinegar you’ll love this recipe – it’s equally useful and extremely cheap to make using blackberries you’ve picked yourself. It’s great in salad dressings or used as a cordial to treat colds.

Blackberry and coconut tray bake 

You can find blackberries in hedgerows, in gardens and along railway tracks to make this easy tray bake.

Autumnal cocktail

This recipe is easy to make and perfect for drinking by the fire. The delicate pink or tawny colour is made from the old year’s berries. You can use a nip of the hawthorn gin or a simple, delicious blackberry syrup that, with some brief simmering, distils the flavour of late summer so that you can taste it in your glass.

Follow Emma Mitchell’s recipe on the BBC Wildlife Magazine website to make this delightful berry cocktail.

Blackberry vodka

Make this delicious blackberry vodka recipe from the BBC Wildlife Magazine website, and you’ll be enjoying this over the winter months. Blackberries also work well in gin!

Blackberry pud

This blackberry pud with crème de mur and sticky toffee sauce is a great way to enjoy the bramble harvest. Follow the recipe on the BBC Wildlife Magazine website.

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