How to Harvest and Store Blackberries

Blackberries, like their raspberry cousins, are known as "brambleberries" because of their thorny canes, which can deter all but the most ardent berry lover. But that luscious, fresh-from-the-cane taste is worth a few scratches, so dive right in.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Gloves
• Baskets
• Gardening Gloves
• Pail
• Cookie Sheets

1. Harvest blackberries as soon as they're fully ripe.
2. Pull the berries from the stem gently, taking care not to squeeze them.
3. Keep your harvest basket or pail in the shade so the blackberries stay cool, and stack them no more than an inch or two deep in the container (otherwise you'll have blackberry squash).
4. Use blackberries immediately, either for eating, preserving, or baking into pies, quick breads or muffins.
5. Refrigerate blackberries for a day or so in airtight containers.
6. Freeze blackberries in a single layer on a cookie sheet, then put the frozen berries in freezer bags to use all year long.

Tips & Warnings

• Blackberry thorns are vicious. When you're planting, pruning or picking, wear jeans, a heavy long-sleeved shirt and thick gloves.

Who Can Help:

• Find Contractors Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.
• Find Landscaping Design and Installation Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.
• Find Lawn Care Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.