How to Harvest Blackberries: Pick Like a Pro

Ready to fill up your basket with the ripest blackberries? Follow these simple steps to become a master picker!

Step-by-Step:

    1. Look for the darkest berries – Only the deep, black ones are ready. If they’re still a little red or purple, give them a few more days. Blackberries start green, then turn raspberry colored as they ripen, finally ending up fully dark black when ready to pick. Unripe berries with be very sour. 
    2. Gently tug – Ripe blackberries should slide right off the vine with a light pull. If it’s holding on for dear life, it’s not quite ready.
    3. Leave the mushy ones – Overripe berries can be a bit squishy and may fall apart. Great for jam, not so much for snacking!
    4. Handle with care – Place your berries in a shallow container to avoid crushing them. They’re delicate little gems!
    5. Morning glory – If you can, come early in the day. The berries are plump, juicy, and cool—plus, you get first dibs

Nutritional Benefits: Why Blackberries Are Your New Best Friend

Blackberries aren’t just delicious—they’re like nature’s little multivitamins! Here’s why you’ll want to load up:

  • High in Vitamin C: Perfect for boosting your immune system and keeping that glow.
  • Packed with Fiber: Keeps your digestive system happy and your hunger at bay.
  • Antioxidant-rich: Think of them as tiny superheroes, fighting off damage to your cells.
  • Vitamin K: Essential for strong bones and healthy blood.
  • Low-Calorie Goodness: Snack away! These berries won’t weigh you down.

How to Clean and Store Your Fresh Blackberries

You’ve got your basket full of juicy blackberries—now what? Let’s make sure you enjoy every last one, whether it’s today or months from now!

If it was hot outside during your pick, keep the plastic bag with your berries open to vent out some of the heat – don’t tie the bag closed. 

Cleaning Your Berries:

  1. Hold off on washing until you’re ready to eat or use them. Moisture speeds up spoiling!
  2. When ready, rinse them in a colander with cool water. Be gentle—they’re delicate!
  3. Dry them fully on a paper towel. Excess moisture can lead to mushy berries.

Storing Your Berries:

  1. In the fridge: Keep them in a shallow container with a lid, but not airtight, so they can breathe. Enjoy within 2-3 days.
  2. In the freezer: Spread the berries out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once frozen, pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for up to a year!

Ways to Preserve Your Blackberry Bounty

Picked more than you can eat in a couple of days? No problem! Here’s how you can hold onto that summer freshness.

1. Freezing:

  • It’s super easy! Just rinse, dry, and freeze them in a single layer. After they’re frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or container for future smoothies, pies, or snacks.

2. Make Jam:

  • If you’re feeling crafty, whip up a batch of blackberry jam! Perfect for spreading on toast or using as a dessert topping.

3. Dehydrating:

  • For a chewy, healthy snack, dry your blackberries in a dehydrator or low-heat oven. These make a great topping for oatmeal or yogurt!

Delicious and Easy Blackberry Recipes

Now that you’ve picked your blackberries, let’s put them to good use. Whether you want something quick or a way to preserve the harvest, we’ve got you covered.

Blackberry Smoothie

Perfect for a post-picking refreshment!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of your fresh-picked blackberries
  • 1 banana
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Toss everything into a blender.
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. Pour into your favorite glass and enjoy the taste of summer!

Blackberry Pie Filling (with Canning Instructions)

Blackberry pie all year long? Yes, please! Here’s how to make a delicious filling and preserve it so you can have a taste of summer in the dead of winter.

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups fresh blackberries
  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • 1/3 cup clearjel or arrow root powder
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice 
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional, but adds a cozy flavor!)

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, mix sugar and clearjel.
  2. Gently stir in blackberries, lemon juice, and cinnamon.
  3. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and bubbles. Remove from heat.

Canning Instructions:

  1. Sterilize your jars
  2. Fill the jars with your pie filling, leaving about an inch of headspace at the top.
  3. Remove air bubbles 
  4. Wipe the rims of the jars, place the lids on, and screw the bands on until fingertip tight.
  5. Water bath: Process the jars in boiling water for 15 minutes. Make sure the jars are completely covered by at least an inch of water.
  6. Remove the jars and let them cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours.
  7. Check your seals, remove the bands and store

Now you’ve got pie filling ready for any time of the year!

Blackberry Crisp

This is a quick and easy dessert that will make your house smell amazing!

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups blackberries
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. Place your freshly picked blackberries into a baking dish.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix oats, almond flour, sugar, and melted butter to make your crisp topping.
  4. Sprinkle the topping over the berries.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden and the berries are bubbling.