Blackberies - ripe for the picking ....

[Cheryl]

I was out earlier this evening and was surprised to see a hedgerow with so many ripe blackberries - don't think I've seen them this early before. I didn't have anything with me to put them in so I'll be back tomorow - hopefully no one will have beaten me to it.



Seems a bit odd to be thinking of making blackberry and apple crumble in July :eek

Custard or cream ?

[ron1863]

They have not ripened up here yet, mind you the Wild Strawberries and Raspberries are delicious at the moment.

[pammosley]

I noticed lots of Blackberries on a local walk on Sunday but none were ready for picking yet. It will be a good crop, now I need to find a good crop of sloes

[ellen h]

I have seen quite a few ripening off here too,though not as many on one bush as you have seen
It seems to be getting earlier round here for blackberry picking-we used to go out picking towards August/September time.....
ellen

[Rambling Rob]

The blackberries seem to be ripening early this year on the Isle of Wight, too. I found my first two days ago near Quarr Abbey and scoffed it there and then.
Here it is (or was):



Rob

[pammosley]

Originally Posted by Rambling Rob

scoffed it there and then.
Here it is (or was):



Rob

Last year as I was out walking with my daughters eating the blackberries as we were went developed into a "dare" competition who could eat the sourest Oh dear..... I`m off out with my daughter this weekend

[Hedge Witch]

Interesting picture, Rob

The blackberries here are also ripening well - might try my hand at a pie at the weekend if I get the chance.

[Adam Cheeseman]

I would give them a bit longer folks. Just because they've gone black doesn't mean that they are properly ripe and suitable for eating yet as they still haven't had enough sun. I bet most will still be quite sharp as were the seemingly ripe ones I tried the other day. I find most people pick them too early - unless you like them with a bit of a kick.

Cheers,

Adam

[Rambling Rob]

Originally Posted by Adam Cheeseman

I would give them a bit longer folks. Just because they've gone black doesn't mean that they are properly ripe and suitable for eating yet as they still haven't had enough sun. I bet most will still be quite sharp as were the seemingly ripe ones I tried the other day. I find most people pick them too early - unless you like them with a bit of a kick.

Cheers,

Adam

Hi Adam,
The secret to sweetness lies in location, I think. Considering the idea that 'the sun shines on the righteous' I picked my blackberry in the environs of Quarr Abbey on the IoW where I suspected that the abnormally high concentration of righteousness surrounding its Benedictine monks must attract extra sunshine. Delicious! Obviously the popular saying is well founded. But just to be sure I must try another blackberry from somewhere near Parkhurst Prison for comparison.
Rob

[Hedge Witch]

I believe that there are over 400 sub-species of Blackberry in the UK, and I hear that flavour varies significantly between them

[wildherbalian85]

Originally Posted by Rambling Rob

The blackberries seem to be ripening early this year on the Isle of Wight, too. I found my first two days ago near Quarr Abbey and scoffed it there and then.
Here it is (or was):



Rob

Early on the IOW!!??????

Here over in Portsmouth they are now ripening but they are very late in doing so..... typically they are ripe by the end of June here and after warmer springs they have been known to be ready for the picking in early June.

[wildherbalian85]

Last year i was picking by the 3rd week June.... this picture was from mid july