Fresh blackberries are a real treat, but they’re notorious for having a super short shelf life. If you don’t eat them within a few days of picking, they start to go south pretty fast. One of my favorite ways to make that summer harvest last is by drying them! Dried blackberries are fantastic for adding a little zing to your morning oatmeal, homemade granola, or favorite dessert recipes.
Ways to Use and Preserve Your Blackberry Harvest
Since these dark, juicy berries don’t stay fresh for long, you’ve got to have a game plan. If you aren’t going to snack on them right away, here are a few great ways to keep them around longer:
- Freezing them for smoothies,
- Canning them into jams, jellies, compotes, or even a savory chutney,
- Or turning them into juices, homemade liqueurs, and syrups.
Why Dry Your Blackberries?
Drying is a unique way to preserve your harvest that often gets overlooked. The best part? By removing all the moisture, you don’t have to worry about mold. Plus, unlike frozen berries which can get a bit mushy once they thaw out, dried berries keep a nice, firm texture.
Picking the Best Berries for Drying
If you’re growing those big, juicy cultivated varieties in your garden, they can be a little tricky to dry whole. I recommend slicing them into smaller pieces so they dry out evenly. Honestly, wild blackberries—the kind you find out in the woods—are actually the best for this. They’re smaller and have less juice, which makes the drying process a breeze.
Different Methods for Drying
There are a few ways you can get the job done, depending on what gear you have in your kitchen:
- The natural way (sun-drying),
- Using your kitchen oven,
- Or using a dedicated food dehydrator.
Sun-Drying Your Blackberries
If you want to go the natural route, you can dry your berries in the sun. Just make sure you cover them up or keep them in a spot where wasps, ants, and other critters can’t get to them! Keep in mind that this method is a slow game—it usually takes a few days to get them perfectly dry.
Oven-Drying Method
The oven is a super popular choice for most home gardeners. Just spread your berries out on a baking sheet and set your oven to its lowest temperature—definitely stay under 120°F (50°C). Pro tip: Prop the oven door open just a crack. This lets the moisture escape and helps the berries dry out much faster.
Using a Dehydrator
If you have a food dehydrator, that’s your best bet. Just like with the oven, you’ll want to use a low temperature setting. This ensures you’re gently drying the fruit rather than “cooking” it, keeping all that great flavor intact without making them too brittle.
