Blackberry Beginnings

For most of the year the bramble is seen as a cruel and invasive weed; it will grow almost anywhere, at an astonishing rate. It is capable of shredding clothing, piercing shoes and cutting soft skin to ribbons.

On our allotment there is a huge briar patch, which I thought needed taming. However, when I attempted to subdue the area and cut the brambles back with a scythe, it retaliated by growing massive stinging nettles, wrapped with bind weed. We have now come to a territorial agreement.

However, as August rears its sunny head and the school holidays arrive, people cease cursing the brambles, and start to talk fondly about Blackberry picking.

For many people the annual tradition of Blackberrying is as far as they get with foraging. For some though, it is only the beginning; the start of an exciting and multifaceted food-based adventure.

Blackberries always taste fantastic straight off the bush, they can be baked into an array of scrummy pies, cakes and puddings, and they make lovely Jams or Wine. If you don’t have the time for cooking right now, they can always be frozen and stored to use later in the year.

Brilliant Blackberries

Most people have tried picking blackberries at some point and many still go on annual expeditions with their families. The good news is that they will be here again very soon. The blossom and unripe fruit is already all over the place, the briars beginning to reach out over pavements announcing their presence.

Look Out! You'll Have Someone's Eye Out With That

I spotted my first ripe one of the season yesterday; a single, solitary shiny blackberry in a clump of pink and green fruits. I picked it instinctively and popped it into my mouth...

Blackberry Flowers are Everywhere You Look Now

Possibly, I was a tad premature, it wasn’t quite ripe but it was worth it. As the sweet/sour juice hit the back of my mouth and my tongue turned purple, I was reminded of the feast that is shortly to arrive.

This Looks Like a Good Spot!

So, get your picnic baskets out, pack some extra Tupperware to fill and bring home everyone’s favourite forage. But why stop at blackberries? Follow the Urbane Forager and you will learn how to find much more local fruit for free. If anyone wants to organise or join us on a casual foraging trip, please do get in contact via the Urbane Forager Community Website.

Nearly There Now!

We will be picking more plums this weekend, I suspect…