A Guide To Foraging Blackberries

Board the Tatty Devine Time Machine with Co-Founder Rosie Wolfenden MBE  as we explore an activity nature lovers have been enjoying for centuries: 

A Guide to Foraging Blackberries

I love blackberries, they are like a gift from Mother Nature. Spending the day foraging for these juicy edible fruits is one of my favourite ways to spend those transitional months between summer and autumn, I call it superfood season.

Hear Rosie chat about her love for blackberries via the link: https://youtube.com/shorts/YvkI5qkMmoo 

Forget an apple a day, what we should be eating is a handful of berries a day. Full of vitamins, minerals and fibre, blackberries also provide antioxidants including flavonoids and anthocyanins, which amongst other things help you battle against nasty cancer cells. 

So, here is my handy guide with everything you need to know to collect nature’s gift:

When: 

August, September, and early October. 

You need to look for plump, firm, shiny deep black berries - nothing with red as they need a little more time to sweeten. 

Where: 

Hedgerows and bushes. 

Whether in a city centre or in the middle of the countryside, there is always a blackberry close to hand. Try parks, canals, heaths and cemeteries if you’re in a town or city.

How:

Aim high, so they are clean and untouched!

Avoid berries next to a busy road with a lot of pollution.

Forgotten a bag? Make one from a large leaf, I love to use a Sycamore leaf, by making into a cup shape and using the stem to pierce and stitch together.

Once home, wash them in cold water and soak them in lightly salted water to remove any creepy crawlies.

Too many to eat? 

This is the good bit! Blackberries freeze brilliantly meaning you can stock up for several months. Simply lay out on trays lined with baking paper so they freeze individually and then store into a freezer bag or container once frozen. Berries for breakfast throughout winter- for free! 

Explore our limited edition jewellery inspired by the life cycle of a blackberry in our era-inspired collection, Time Machine.

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