National Blackberry Day
A Hedgerow Treasure
Few fruits capture the essence of the British countryside quite like the blackberry.
Found in hedgerows across the nation, this humble berry has long been a symbol of late summer and early autumn.
This year, an abundance of sunshine has gifted us with one of the best blackberry crops in recent memory. Glossy, deep purple clusters can be found along field edges, village lanes and woodland paths – a free feast just waiting to be picked.
For many families, blackberry picking is more than gathering fruit, it’s a ritual. The bramble scratches, the purple-stained fingers and the joy of filling a container full of nature’s sweetness are all part of the tradition.
But what to do with your harvest? Blackberries are wonderfully versatile. From classic crumbles and tarts to rich jams, jellies and chutneys, they bring a burst of tart sweetness to almost any dish. Bakers swirl them into muffins, pubs serve them in sauces alongside roasted meats and restaurants create elegant desserts and cocktails infused with their vibrant flavour. Even a simple handful stirred into natural yoghurt can transform breakfast into something special.
The blackberries fruited early this year, another sign of or changing environment but we hope you got out there, embraced the season and gathered a few berries to celebrate the flavours that connect us to our countryside and communities. If you are like us, we picked plenty and have a bag or two frozen for the months ahead, as nothing beats an apple and blackberry crumble in the cold months to remind us of the warm days to come.
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