title: Your Guide to Harvesting Delicious Blackberries
Blackberry season is one of the highlights of the year, stretching across several months. Usually, you can head out all summer long to find fresh, ripe berries ready for the picking. However, whether you’re foraging in the woods or picking in your backyard, there are a few things you should keep in mind to stay safe and get the best harvest.
When is Blackberry Season?
The harvest season for blackberries typically kicks off in July and can last well into the fall. Interestingly, wild blackberries and garden varieties follow pretty much the same schedule. Since the berries don’t all ripen at once—they prefer to take their time and ripen in stages—you can enjoy a steady supply of fresh fruit over several weeks.
Tips for Foraging Wild Blackberries
If you’re heading into the woods to find wild blackberries, you need to come prepared. Wild bushes are famous for their incredibly sharp thorns—nature’s way of protecting them from hungry animals (and us!). To avoid coming home covered in scratches, always wear sturdy gloves and long sleeves when you’re out foraging.
One golden rule: Never eat wild blackberries straight off the bush. There’s a small risk that wild berries could be contaminated with fox tapeworm eggs. To play it safe, make sure you wash your haul thoroughly with clean water before snacking.
Harvesting Blackberries in Your Garden
Picking berries in your own backyard or on the balcony is usually a much more relaxed experience. Most home gardeners choose thornless varieties, so you don’t have to worry about getting poked. Plus, the risk of parasites like fox tapeworm is virtually non-existent at home. That said, it’s still a good idea to give them a quick rinse to get rid of any dust or tiny garden critters.
Pro tip: Pick your ripe berries regularly, even if you aren’t ready to use them right away. Overripe berries can mold quickly, and that mold can spread to the rest of the cluster in no time. Keeping up with the harvest keeps the plant healthy and your fruit fresh!
What to Do With Your Harvest
Fresh blackberries are amazing on their own, but they are also incredibly versatile in the kitchen. You can use your harvest for:
- Canning and preserving
- Making homemade jams or jellies
- Crafting delicious liqueurs or fresh juices
- Natural dyeing (thanks to that intense, beautiful color!)
