Here are a few facts and findings about these small gems:
Blackberries have been grown across the continent for tens of thousands of years. There is research suggesting that they were eaten way back in 8000BC. During World War I, children in England were given time off school to pick blackberries for the juice, as it was sent to soldiers overseas to help maintain their physical and mental health.
Britsh folklore says that blackberries should not be picked after Old Michaelmas Day (11 October) as the devil (or a Púca) has made them unfit to eat, by stepping, spitting, or fouling on them. Urgh! Apparently there is some truth behind this legend as wetter and cooler weather often allows the fruit to become infected by various molds such as Botryotinia which give the fruit an unpleasant look and may be toxic.
Blackberry pips were found in the stomach contents of a Neolithic man, during an archaeological excavation in Essex in 1911.
Thorny brambles were used by ancient Britons in the same way as we do today with barbed wire.
The blackberry leaves were used as a remedy 'for fastening the teeth back in'.
Finally blackberries are one of the healthiest fruits. They're especially good for their antioxidant strength. They have one of the best ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) ratings of any fruit. They're high in dietary fibre, vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid and manganese. They're low in calories and fat and are perfect for eating if you're on a diet.
For more nutritional facts click here.
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