Blackberries

Blackberries

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. Another tale predicted that blackberries should not be eaten after 10 October because 'during the night the Devil goes by and spits on every bush'.

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 across the season. Most varieties of blackberries have canes that produce thorns, but some of the modern varieties, such as Loch Ness, are thornless. British blackberries are available from June until November, after this fruit comes from Mexico where the climate is warmer at this time of the year.

Nutrition

• 59 g blackberries (about 10 blackberries)
• 24 Kcals
• * 0.0 g fat
• 2.4 g fibre
• 8 mg vitamin C (19% RDA)
• Good source of folate and vitamin E. Studies show that blackberries may reduce the risk of heart disease and inhibit colon cancer