It’s harvest time, and some of the harvest available is delicious and it’s free!  The brambles are laden down with blackberries, crying out to be picked. Blackberries are good for you – high in Vitamin C and E and antioxidants, and you’ll be carrying on an ancient autumnal tradition when you harvest them.

If you fancy harvesting and using some Blackberries, here are some tips:

•    Wear some thick clothes, especially on your arms – they are very well defended by thorns.
•    Bring a walking stick – the crook is good for hooking those delicious berries just out of your reach.
•    Bring a bucket, or a container with a handle for collecting – and maybe a plastic bag in your pocket in case you just can’t stop when the bucket’s full!
•    Try to pick where there’s not too much traffic – as well as being dangerous, traffic will make the berries a bit dusty and may contaminate them with pollutants from exhaust fumes.

When you have picked your fill, here’s a few ideas on what to make with them
•    Blackberry and apple Jam – popular with the younger Brownes http://www.castlebar.ie/photos/dailyphotos/smearadubha/index.html
•    Blackberry and Apple tart – just add some blackberries to your apple tart recipe
•    Blackberry and pear crumble
•    Blackberry sauce  (coulis)-  http://www.recipeland.com/recipe/2504/
•    Blackberry muffins http://uktv.co.uk/food/recipe/aid/512124
•    Blackberry brownies – delicious! http://www.grouprecipes.com/8130/blackberry-brownies.html


Blackberries don’t keep for long – you should try to use them within 24 hours. You can freeze them, but they will be a bit mushy when you defrost them, so they’ll only be suitable for use in cooking if you do.

While you’re out there, you may also spot some elderberries, and maybe some field mushrooms – be careful, and enjoy!