Blackberries aren’t just a treat for your taste buds; they’re also a total showstopper in the garden! While most of us picture a deep, dark berry when we think of blackberries, there are actually some stunning red varieties out there that can add a unique pop of color to your backyard.
Using Color to Spot the Perfect Ripeness
The easiest way to tell if your berries are ready for picking is by looking at their color. As they grow, blackberries start out green and eventually turn a bright red. For most standard varieties, those red berries are still tart and definitely not ready to eat yet. Give them a few more days, and they’ll transform into those juicy, nearly black gems we all love. If you want to time your harvest perfectly, keep an eye on that ripening process.
Not All Blackberries Turn Black
Here’s a fun plot twist: not every blackberry turns black when it’s ripe! There are specific varieties that stay red even when they are perfectly sweet and ready to harvest. These are usually special hybrids—often a cross between a blackberry and a raspberry—designed to keep that vibrant ruby hue.
Popular Red Blackberry Varieties
If you’re looking to add some red to your berry patch, check out these favorites:
- The Tayberry
- The “Dorman Red” variety
Even though these look a lot like raspberries at first glance, they are true blackberries through and through. You’ll definitely notice the difference in the flavor profile once you take a bite!
Mix and Match for a Gorgeous Garden
If you want a garden that really wows, try mixing different varieties together. Planting black and red blackberry bushes side-by-side creates a beautiful contrast. While they’ll both look similar when the fruit is young and red, the color shift as they ripen creates a stunning visual display right on the vine.
Using Berries as a Natural Dye in the Kitchen
The intense pigments in blackberries aren’t just for show—they’re great for adding natural color to your culinary creations. Whether you’re making homemade liqueurs, jams, or sauces, these berries provide a gorgeous tint along with their signature flavor.
Just a pro-tip from one gardener to another: always wear old, dark clothes when you’re processing your harvest! Blackberry juice is a powerful natural dye, and those stains are notoriously stubborn. You don’t want your favorite shirt becoming a permanent DIY art project!