Blackberries grow throughout the world and the fruit has been known in the past by many names, including brambleberries, brumblekites and lawers. There is evidence that blackberries were eaten in Britain in Neolithic times and were surrounded by superstitions.

In the south west of England it was believed that the first blackberry spotted growing each year would banish warts.

Growing

There are two distinct types of blackberry, the European and the North American. The North American types tend to fruit earlier in the summer and the combination of the two help to give a consistent supply of blackberries.

The British blackberry season begins in June, reaches its peak in August and continues until the first frosts in November. New varieties include Chester, Driscolls Carmel, Driscoll Cowles, Loch Ness, Loch Tay, Karaka Black and Obsidian. These all have higher sugar and lower acid levels when compared to traditional blackberries so they’re a delicious to snack on straight from the punnet.

From September to April, fruit comes from Mexico where the climate is warmer at this time of the year.

Nutrition