We have a long history with this little black fruit, with evidence we’ve been eating them for up to 8,000 years. Appearing a month or two after the other summer berries - although strictly speaking they’re not actually berries at all - they are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C and also have fewer calories.

Blackberry picking has been an integral part of British life for every child for generations. So if you are intending to forage your own, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Blackberries are not always black. There are black and red varieties, both of which are delicious.
Folklore suggests that they should not be picked after Old Michaelmass Day (11th October) as the “devil will have claimed them”. There is some truth in this as cool, wet weather leads to mould which gives the fruit an unpleasant look and can sometimes be toxic.
Blackberries do not store well, even 24hrs after picking they will have lost some of their vibrancy. However, they do freeze brilliantly, so if you’re not eating them immediately freeze for later.

Great for use in desserts, jams, jellies, pies and cruimbles, now’s the time to get out, pick your own and get cooking.