Wild berries

[nchunter]

Originally Posted by msm_teacher

We just uncovered a wild berry plant in our backyard. From what I can find, it is a black raspberry plant. It looks exactly like all the photos that come up when I google "black raspberry".

Any ideas on how to use the berries? Are wild ones around here safe to eat? I see the same plant all along the sides of the roads. So, hopefully, some area natives can share ideas on how to use this local berry.

Thanks!

I feel sure they are blackberries. You can wash them and lay them in a single layer on a cookie sheet and put them in the freezer for about 30 min. Take them out and drop them in a freezer bag. They are great for pies,cobblers,smoothies added to cereal or anything you like really.I make jam with them too! Enjoy!

[msm_teacher]

Thanks! Yes, they are probably blackberries based on what you all are saying (and showing). Its a lucky find.

We have a nice blueberry patch and were out checking those plants. Behind one of the plants, this HUGE bush seems to have sprung up over night. So far, about a quart of the blackberries. We have several varieties of blueberries, so we'll have those to enjoy for several more weeks. Any idea how long we'll have blackberries? I'm thinking at this rate, I'd better brush up on my jelly and jam making skills.

Thank you to everyone for the info and ideas - we really appriciate the help!

[LLN]

Here's a helpful hint. If you find a patch and want to harvest, wear white clothes. Ticks seem to really like blackberry patches, and the white clothes will really help you de-tick in a hurry. One plant is probably not a big deal, but a big patch, well, that is another story. Good Luck.

[paulosfm]

Every year I scope out wild blackberries, but the birds usually beat me to them. When picking blackberries, I get an old pair of white cotton gloves and cut the fingertips out of the gloves. That way, I'm less likely to get stuck and I am less likely to crush a berry reacting to getting stuck. Also, I wear high top heavy boots and stomp the ground where I pick (1) to reduce the risk of snake bite (and messing my under drawers) and (2) same as number one because the vibration on the ground encourages the snakes to move away (or so I am told).

Blackberry cobbler. Yummmm.

[NeverEndingBliss]

They are beauties! We grew 'em near our house when I was a kid. Pap made wine from them.

[Mastergoober]

Easy ways to discern (I'm from union county and I've found both in union, meck around Pineville, and York counties) :

Black raspberries have more round leaves instead of spear shaped, white underside instead of green, larger and more sparse thorns, and most often a pinkish purple cane instead of green. The fruit comes off and leaves a small cavity where a remaining part on the stem once sat(like regular raspberries) and the fruit is often sweeter with a more raspberry, less bitter flavor.