I always thought that the old cemetery across the road was just another neglected London landmark. That it may be, but amongst its overgrown shrubs and creepy crawly vines are blackberry bushes galore. Say what you will about foraging for food in a cemetery, but I feel pretty darn lucky. Their luscious fruits are just beginning to ripen and I suddenly find myself with more blackberries than I know what to do with.
The skinny on blackberries
- The blackberry season is from late July to early October
- Blackberries get kind of gross after a day or two, so eat them straight away or freeze them
- Blackberries are rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C and ellagic acid, and their seeds contain high levels of omega-3 and -6 fats, protein, and dietary fiber
- Superstition in the UK holds that blackberries should not be picked after Michaelmas (29 September) as the devil has claimed them, having left a mark on the leaves by urinating on them
I have a few months before season’s end, and I’m all about a.) hoarding blackberries in my freezer and b.) experimenting with as many blackberry recipes as possible while there are still fresh blackberries to be picked. I don’t have much of a sweet tooth, so I like the idea of a blackberry vinaigrette for salads. Even so, I really want to try my hand at jam, and I can’t resist a good cobbler. Here are some other recipes I look forward to experimenting with:
Blackberry recipes
- Blackberry Slump – An American version of a fruit cobbler – just dripping in hot fruit sauce
- Apple and Blackberry Pie – a simple pie with simple ingredients from delia
- Spicy Blackberry Chutney – I can see this going well with cheese, or deep-fried Indian samosas!
- Vegan Apple and Blackberry Pie – a pie without butter? The author almost has me convinced: “The apples and pear were all warm and cinnamon-y, while the blackberries just exploded in your mouth with their tart sweetness. mmmm.”
- Quick Bramble Jelly – I somehow doubt this would be quick, but I bet the results would be worth it
- Blackberry-Lime Tartlets – these just look cute
- Blackberry Tart – a decadent tart made with mascarpone, cream, and mint!
- Blackberry Sorbet – It sounds so refreshing!
- Blackberry Vinaigrette – It’s an Emeril recipe. Bam!
Readers, I need your help! Do you have any blackberry recipes you can recommend? Send em’ over! I’m dying to try them!
K says
My mom made the best Blackberry Cobbler. I dont have the recipe but it was pretty basic. Almost like the flummery recipe on the link for sorbet you gave above with some sugar and seems like she put a little tapioca in there and then a basic recipe for steamed dumplings on top. Served with vanilla ice cream sometimes. YUM!
That recipe for sorbet above sounded interesting. Thanks.
K says
I meant Blackberry Dumplings, not cobbler.
π
Now I am really craving some blackberries.
monica says
Thanks, K! I never heard of “flummery” until you mentioned it. Sounds yummy, especially for summer!
Evita says
Mmmmm…I love all berries and hence that includes blackberries – once I eat them it seems I just can’t get enough!
As for blackberry recipes, I don’t have anything too fancy, I just try to add them to crepes, oatmeals and other grain cereals, etc.