Arapaho Blackberry
By: Anonymous

About

Arapaho Blackberries were the first ever thornless ones in existence. These are commonly produced in Texas and the climate there is ideal as they require only 700-750 chilling hours. Due to being thornless they are easier to pick and therefore more can be picked per hour.
Arapaho is one of many varieties of delicious blackberries.  There are numerous thorny and thornless varieties available and some need trellising while others are erect varieties.

Information
Translations: アラパホーブラックベリー, Arapaho BlackBerry, الأراباهو العليق, Arapahov Blackberry, Arapaho BlackBerry, Arapaho אוכמן, Арапахо БлацкБерри, Arapaho 블랙베리, Arapaho ब्लैकबेरी, Арапахо Blackberry, 阿拉帕霍黑莓, Арапахо Blackberry


Physical Description
Blackberries are delicious fruits that range in size, but generally small enough to eat in one bite.  They are composed of numerous "drupes" arranged around a soft white core.  Each fleshy, juicy drupe contains one small seed.  Blackberries are similar to raspberries in appearance, but can be easily distinguished from a raspberry by the central core which is absent in a ripe raspberry.
Colors: As the name implies, they are black, but can often be found with a purplish or reddish cast, especially when stored.


Tasting Notes
Flavors: Sweet.  Tart when not fully ripe.
Mouthfeel: Soft, Juicy, Seedy
Substitutes: Loganberries, Boysenberries, Mulberries, Dewberries, Red currants


Selecting and Buying
Seasonality: july, august
Peak: july, august
Choosing: Choose plump, fully black berries for best flavor and sweetness.  
Buying: Can be found in supermarkets, roadside stands, and U-pick farms.
Choose plump, fully black berries for best flavor and sweetness.  Avoid very soft, moldy or leaking berries.
Procuring: Blackberries are easy to pick.  Look for fully black berries.  A reddish or purplish tint indicates an under-ripe berry.  Some varieties are best flavored if they have lost their shine and are beginning to look dull - a few samples will readily reveal when your variety should be picked.  If picking on thorny plants, a long sleeved shirt will provide welcome protection.
Ripe berries will detach from the stem easily.


Preparation and Use
Blackberries are easy to use - no stemming, peeling, or pitting required.  Just rinse and add to recipes.  Or bring to a slow boil and strain for juice.
Cleaning: Rinse blackberries in cool water and drain when ready to use.  


Conserving and Storing
Blackberries should be refrigerated if not used right away to avoid deterioration and mold.  Before refrigerating, sort thru the berries and remove any moldy or squishy berry. Store in shallow containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.  
When ready to use, rinse and drain.  Use fresh or freeze for later use.  They can be bagged for freezing or frozen on cookie sheets and transferred to bags.