Fresh blackberries are a real treat, but let’s be honest—they don’t stay fresh for long, even in the fridge. To make sure those juicy berries don’t go to waste, you’ll want to preserve them or use them up quickly. Here’s how to keep your harvest from molding on the vine and turn it into something delicious instead.
Fresh blackberries have a short shelf life
Blackberries are notorious for molding fast, whether they’re still on the bush or sitting in your refrigerator. That’s why it’s a good idea to pick your ripe berries frequently to keep rot from spreading across the plant. Since the harvest season can last for several weeks or even months, you’ll likely end up with more than you can eat in one sitting. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to put that bounty to good use.
Using blackberries in the kitchen
While nothing beats eating them straight from the garden, blackberries are amazing in cakes, muffins, and cobblers. If you’re looking to stock your pantry, try canning your fruit to make homemade jams, jellies, or preserves. You can also whip up some blackberry syrup, fresh juice, or even a batch of blackberry liqueur for a special treat.
Ways to preserve your harvest
If you want to save that summer flavor for later, you have a few great options for long-term storage. The most popular methods are:
Freezing blackberries
This is the easiest way to go! Just portion your berries into freezer-safe containers or bags and pop them in the freezer. This way, you’ll have berries ready to go long after the season ends. Frozen blackberries stay good for about a year and are perfect for smoothies, desserts, or topping your morning yogurt. Pro tip: Freeze individual berries on a tray first, then drop them into drinks as flavorful ice cubes!
Drying blackberries
Drying takes a bit more effort than freezing, but the results are worth it. You can air-dry them in the sun (just make sure to protect them from wasps and other bugs!), use your oven on a low setting, or use a food dehydrator. Wild blackberries actually dry better than the larger garden varieties because of their smaller size. If you’re drying big garden berries, you might want to slice them in half first to speed up the process.
Always wash before you start
Before you start snacking or preserving, give your berries a good rinse. To get rid of dirt or any concerns about fox tapeworm (especially with wild berries), it’s always best to wash them thoroughly under cool, clear water.
