The blackberry
Blackberries are a very healthy food, packed with antioxidants that can help prevent cancer and other diseases.
Blackberries can be picked from late summer through to mid-autumn. The earlier ones tend to be better raw, the later good for cooking.
A ripe blackberry is deep black with a plump, full feel. It should come away easily when pulled from the stem.
Blackberries can stain your hands and clothes.
Blackberry tea was used to cure dysentery.
There are two types of blackberries: thorny and thornless. Thorny blackberries have more flavour, but thornless ones are easier to pick.
Blackberries are also known as brambles in Britain.
Bramble is the plant that produces the blackberry.
Blackberries are related to raspberries, strawberries, and roses. They belong to the rose family, Rosaceae.