The ripening period for blackberries usually lasts from around the end of July to autumn, depending on the weather, location and variety. The tendrils do not produce all the fruits at the same time, but instead allow fresh supplies to ripen continuously for snacking.
When and how should you collect blackberries?
You can collect blackberries in the forest or in your own garden during their ripening period from the end of July to autumn. Make sure the color is deep black, easy to remove from the stem and wear long clothing to protect against thorns on wild blackberries.
Harvesting wild blackberries in the forest
Collecting blackberries in the forest is an ideal way to escape the summer heat with a refreshing walk in the forest. The blackberries can be collected with the whole family and then used in a variety of ways, for example:
- Baking cakes
- Fresh consumption
- Preparation of juices and liqueurs
- Freezing
- Making jam
Since wild blackberries have a large number of sharp thorns, we recommend wearing long, discarded clothing (€169.00 at Amazon) as protection when collecting them in the forest and on embankments in nature. You should also take baskets or bowls with you in which the fruits you find can be transported without being crushed. If you only collect fruit above knee height in the forest, you are relatively safe from the fox tapeworm. To be on the safe side, the fruits should still be washed as thoroughly as possible with clear water before consumption.
Collecting blackberries in the garden
When harvesting blackberries in your own garden, long clothing is usually unnecessary as protection, as many blackberry varieties no longer have thorns. However, the fruits should be handled as gently as possible when harvesting, as crushed blackberries spoil even faster than they already do. Ripe fruits of the blackberry plants in the garden should be removed regularly, otherwise moldy specimens can quickly infect all other fruits on the tendrils.
Knowing the right time for harvesting
Even if there are different color variations in the cultivars of blackberries for the garden, most varieties indicate the ripeness of the fruit with a deep black color. You should also rely on your instinct when picking and only pick fruits that can be pulled off the stalk with gentle pressure. If the blackberry in question is still rather tight and compact on the vine, it will probably need another one or two days until it ripens.
Tips & Tricks
Collecting blackberries in the garden becomes even easier if you make sure that the tendrils are easily accessible when choosing a location. Leading climbing varieties along a trellis also makes harvesting easier.
