Small Luxuries!

Do you love blackberries? I know i do! So D. and I decided to make an excursion to Tatoi and pick some! In the beginning is seemed as an easy project but the blackberry bushes had a different idea. It took us 2,5 hours (and a lot of scratches) in order to collect 500gr of blackberries! But it was worth it!
I made a lovely jam with them and i kept a cup for muffins! Here are photos from the picking ...recipes will follow!

Tatoi

Blackberry shrub (these berry will be ready to pick in about a week)

Mission Impossible!

Trying to get out of the shrubs!

our precious blackberries!

 Some tips for picking them!

When you go out to pick blackberries there are some useful tips to remember. Blackberry juice will stain hands and clothing, and the brambles are covered in many sharp thorns. Therefore wear something old and sturdy (trousers not shorts, and a long sleeved shirt), and give small children gloves.

The most flavoursome blackberries are those which have grown on plants in direct sunlight. Often the best blackberries will be found in difficult to reach positions where they have had the chance to fully ripen without being eaten by birds.

If picking berries on verges, only pick berries above knee height which will not have been splashed by rain hitting the ground, or urinated on by dogs and other animals. Pick only the fully black blackberries (not red or purple) as under-ripe berries will not ripen further once picked. Good blackberries will come of the plant with just a light tug.

When you get your blackberries home, soak them for a good half hour in water just before you intend to use them, and then rinse them well before eating or using them in recipes. If you do not intend to use the berries for a few days, refrigerate them unwashed so they do not spoil, or wash them and pack them into an air tight bag or container for immediate freezing.

 source: http://www.self-sufficient.co.uk/Picking-Wild-Blackberries.htm