British blackberries at their best
The British blackberry season will continue until the first frosts in November.
The first fruits of the season appeared on shelf in June and varieties include Loch Ness, Karaka Black, Chester and Drisolls. 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 for an instant health boost. Naturally high in vitamin C blackberries, per 100gms, have more than 6x the antioxidant activity of kiwis.
VARIETIES
The following varieties have been developed to provide fruit throughout summer for various growing conditions and to be sweet enough to be eaten fresh from the punnet.
Chester: This is a late season variety which delivers good yields of quality fruit. This is one of the many excellent large-fruited thornless American varieties, Chester originated in Illinois, and bears heavy crops from August until autumn.
Loch Ness and Loch Tay: These are probably some of the most widely grown British blackberry varieties. They have a broad appeal, are great for cooking or eating straight from the punnet and are available from June onwards.
Drisolls Carmel: This is a delicious tasting mid season variety. It has been bred for its very sweet flavour and large fruit size.
karaka Black: This is an early to mid season variety. Bred in New Zealand it has a unique long shape and lovely flavour. Picking commences in early July and extends for eight or nine weeks until early September.
Obsidian: is an early variety with good eating quality and is valuable in establishing availability for the early blackberry season.
Driscoll Cowles: is a later season variety with a very good and sweet eating quality.
Health benefits
- Blackberries are packed with antioxidants, including vitamin C and ellagic acid, which studies have indicated may help provide protection against cancer and chronic disease. Their many tiny seeds make them a good source of fibre.
- Blackberries also contain salicylates, a group of analgesics that include the active substance in aspirin.
- Per 100gms, blackberries have more than 6 x the antioxidant activity of kiwis.