What to Do with an Overabundance of Blackberries

Oh my! So many choices! Blackberries are not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants and vitamins. If you find yourself with a bountiful harvest, here are some creative ways to enjoy them:

Mix with other fruits

How about adding blackberries to your breakfast corn flakes or mixing them with apples for a delicious pie or crumble? A classic blackberry and apple crumble or pie is simply delightful. Alternatively, you can create a blackberry fool by stewing the blackberries, straining out the skins and seeds to make a sauce, then pouring it over vanilla ice cream or mixing it with custard and cream.

Health Benefits and Preservation

Blackberries are extremely healthy. They are known to help people live longer due to their antioxidants and vitamins. Consider making some blackberry jam to preserve these health benefits. You can also freeze the berries, can them, or make blackberry pancakes, smoothies, or frozen yogurt.

Creative Uses

This may sound a bit unusual, but I love a ham and blackberry pesto pizza. If you're not a fan of that, you could try adding them to a smoothie or making frozen yogurt with blackberries. If you're interested in detailed recipes, I can certainly provide you with a few options.

Other Ideas

For those who just want to enjoy them fresh, you can eat them in a variety of ways. You can have them in a little bowl with milk and sugar, stir them into jello, or mix them with other fruits for a fruit salad. Another great option is to make bramble jelly. And why not feed some to the neighbors, especially if they love fruit desserts?

Preservation Techniques

If you have an excessive amount of any fruit, it's wise to freeze it before it goes bad. Place the berries on a tray and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to a big ziplock bag to keep them good for months. They are perfect for smoothies, pies, and other recipes that call for fresh berries.