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