While the end of summer isn’t a time of year that many of us look forward to, it does mean one thing – the arrival of blackberry season. From late August and into September, these delicious berries thrive in the great British countryside and are a welcome addition to delicious smoothies, delightful baked goods, and a range of other classic home recipes. So, in preparation for your blackberry indulgence, here are some of the benefits of this classic berry that you can’t afford to ignore.
Enjoy them in season
By the first week of September, British hedgerows are truly bursting with these sun-ripened berries. So taking your dog on a long, autumnal family walk is a wonderful way to get your hands on some delicious berries, and it’s also free! While you can eat them fresh off the hedgerow, it’s best to take them home first before rinsing them under the cold tap. You can also freeze blackberries, which is ideal if you’ve managed to get your hands on a particularly big batch this season.
The brilliant benefits of blackberries
In addition to their stunning colour and gorgeous flavour, blackberries are brimming with health benefits. They are packed full of beneficial nutrients that include potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which are all ideal for boosting your energy levels and reducing your daily stress and anxiety. What’s more, blackberries are rich in manganese, which is a well-known and popular brain booster. A 100g serving of blackberries delivers approximately one-third of your recommended amount of manganese, which helps to keep your bones and cartilage strong and healthy, as well as regulating blood glucose levels. Research has also shown that blackberries boast anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties, while other studies have indicated that they can ease symptoms associated with arthritis and stomach ulcers.
Another impressive aspect of blackberries is that they’re packed full of Vitamin C. In fact, 100g of blackberries provides you with a third of your daily dose of this important nutrient. As you might be aware, Vitamin C is really important for your collagen levels, and it contributes to the health of your skin, bones, connective tissue, and blood vessels. In other words, as well as tasting amazing, blackberries are filled with beneficial properties that can contribute positively to your general health and wellbeing.
How to get the most out of blackberries in the kitchen
While you can enjoy blackberries as a delicious and sweet snack at any time of the day, you can also use them as a key ingredient in a range of delightful home creations. One of the best ways to utilise blackberries is to add them as a nutrient booster to your favourite smoothies. For instance, this black magic smoothie from Love Struck is full of goodness, with ingredients including cherries, bananas, blueberries, blackcurrants, and of course – blackberries! You might also consider adding blackberries to a delicious home-baked pie or crumble, which is the perfect dessert to treat your loved ones to after a special family meal.
So, as the summer comes to an end, don’t forget to go out hunting for blackberries with your family. They hang from hedgerows like the little gems of sweetness that they are and provide you with an unrivalled opportunity to pick and enjoy your own fruit. Whether you use them in smoothies, bake them into crumbles, or enjoy them as they are, blackberries are great for your health.
