When are Blackberries in Season? How to Pick the Sweetest Blackberries

Blackberries are a small cane fruit native to Britain. These small berries are packed with full of antioxidants and nutrients like vitamin C and K, which can help you stay healthy as the seasons change from summer to autumn. They can be eaten fresh or used in a variety of recipes like pies, crumbles, jams, liquors, cakes, or cordials.

In this article, we will discuss when blackberries are in season, where to find them, and tips for finding the sweetest fruits!

Warning: Wild plants can be poisonous. Never eat anything you haven’t definitively identified as safe. Do thorough research before foraging using multiple trusted sources. I am not a medical professional and none of the information provided on this blog is medical advice.

When are blackberries in season?

The best time to pick blackberries in the UK is typically in late August or early September, as this is when they are typically most abundant and at their sweetest. However, blackberry season in the UK can last from July to October, depending on where you live and the weather conditions of the year. Fruits tend to ripen sooner in the south of the country than in the north, and cool weather can delay flower production, pushing back the start of the season.

Blackberries in July are often sharp, while those in August and September are juicy and sweet. By October, they tend to be sour or rotten due to the wet weather and lack of sunshine.

Where to find blackberries

Blackberries grow in many places, including woodlands, hedgerows, footpaths, country lanes, gardens, and parks. It is important to be mindful of where you pick blackberries, as some areas may be contaminated. It is best to avoid picking fruits that grow near roadsides or residential areas, as they may have been exposed to pollutants. Additionally, be careful to avoid picking berries that are close to the ground, as they may have been contaminated by animal waste, etc. Make sure to respect private property and leave plenty of berries behind for the animals and insects that depend on these fruits as a vital food source.

How to pick blackberries

It’s important to know how to pick blackberries and which ones are ripe so you can get a sweet and delicious harvest. Here’s a guide to help you select and gather the perfect blackberries:

Identifying Ripe Blackberries:

Colour: Seek out plump berries that are deep purple or black in colour.
Texture: If you’re eating them straightaway, choose berries that are slightly matte and firm with a little bit of give. These berries typically offer the sweetest flavour.
Easy Release: If a berry isn’t coming off the bush easily, it probably isn’t ripe yet.
Unripe berries: Steer clear of red or green berries, because they are not yet ripe.
Partial Ripeness: Berries that are mostly dark but retain some lighter purple hues might not be fully ripe. Gently press the berry; if it’s very firm, it’s likely not ready.

General Picking Advice:

Handle the berries carefully: Blackberries are delicate and bruise easily. When picking, be gentle and avoid using too much force.
Use a shallow container: A shallow container will help prevent the berries from being crushed.
Protect yourself from thorns: Blackberry bushes have sharp thorns, so wear protective clothing to avoid getting scratched and don’t reach too deeply into the bush.
Choose safe and sanitary picking locations: Don’t pick near roadsides or at the bottom of the bush where there may be contaminants.

How to store blackberries

Blackberries are versatile berries that can be preserved in a variety of ways, including making jams, canning, freeze-drying, fermenting, refrigerating, or freezing. This guide will focus on the simple method of refrigerating blackberries to extend their shelf life. Be mindful that the berries can stain surfaces, clothing, and hands.

Washing your berries

After gathering your harvest, you should wash it thoroughly. To do so, fill a shallow bowl with cool water and gently place the blackberries inside. To encourage hidden insects to emerge, add a pinch of salt to the water and leave it to soak. Give the water a gentle swirl to remove any insects, dirt, or debris. You may need to pour out the dirty water and repeat this step a few times over.

For a more thorough cleaning, consider using a veggie wash. Once they’re clean, gently dry them with a clean kitchen towel or kitchen roll.

Refrigerating your berries

Here are some of the best practices to keeping your berries as fresh as possible after you’ve picked and washed them:

Refrigerate the blackberries as soon as possible after picking and washing them.
To slow down the formation of mildew and mould, store your blackberries in a vented container.
Blackberries are sensitive to ethylene gas, which is produced by fruits and vegetables like apples, broccoli, onions, tomatoes, and avocados. Ethylene gas can make your berries rot faster, so its best to store them away from these foods.
You should eat your blackberries within two days because they spoil quickly.