Blackberry
By: Anonymous

About

The Blackberry is the aggregate fruit of the Bramble bush, a native plant throughout Europe. Blackberries are easily confused with rasberries but their core is hollow while blackberries have a light green core.
The fragile skin of the Blackberry is green and hard when young, turning red as it ripens then black and shiny when fully ripe. The immature fruit is small and sour, while the ripe fruit is larger in size, juicy and sweet to taste. In late summer and autumn, blackberries can be picked and eaten, or made into pie filling, jam, jelly, and tea.
Also known as bramble. A large, deep purple berry that grows wild on thorny bushes. In england blackberries are often combined with apples to make pie.
It´s a very good source of vitamins C and K and of manganese.

Information
Other names: Blackberries
Translations: Kazene, Gervuogė, Mur, Kupina, Jeżyna, Braam, ब्लैकबेरी, Amora preta, Ежевика, Βατόμουρο, بلاك, 검은 딸기, Ostružina, Lumboy, 黑莓, Esbarzer, Ostružina, Mora, אוכמנית, Купина, ブラックベリー, Mûre, Brombeere, Zarzamora, Ожина, Karhunvatukka, Къпина


Physical Description
A blackberry is a fruit, slightly larger than a blueberry, that is actually a cluster of smaller fruits. Each fruit, called a drupe, has a skin, surrounding juice and a seed.
Colors: Very deep blue or purple, almost black


Tasting Notes
Flavors: Sweet, tart  
Mouthfeel: Juicy, Tart, Acidic, Sweet, Earthy
Food complements: Vanilla, Yogurt, Sugar, Pie, Sage, Vinegar
Wine complements: Zinfandel, Red wine
Beverage complements: Tea, Brandy, Lemonade, Rum, Milk, Coconut milk
Substitutes: Loganberries, Boysenberries, Olallieberries, Raspberries, Marionberries


Selecting and Buying
Seasonality: may, june, july, august, september
Peak: june, july
Choosing: Choose blackberries that are firm, deep in color, and clean.
Buying: Blackberries are widely available.
Procuring: Blackberries grow in many types of soils, with good drainage and pH of 5-7.  They need warm temperatures to thrive. Most blackberries are produced in Oregon.


Preparation and Use
Blackberries are great to eat fresh, and can be used in a variety of desserts, such as pies, cakes, and ice creams. They also are used to make jellies and jams. Also, blackberry leaves are used to make tea.
Cleaning: Simply rinse and eat or store.


Conserving and Storing
Blackberries should preferably eaten immediately. Or they can be stored in the refrigerator for two to three days, lightly covered.


Social/Political
Blackberries are a popular source of nutrients and antioxidants.