Viva Das Blackberries!!!

 


 Did you know that Blackberries are in the Rosaceae family; other members include Rose, Peach, Almond, Apple and Strawberry!  Based on research the once just a yummy jam worthy berry is now known for it's remarkable health benefits!  The pigment that gives Blackberries their color is a potent antioxidant!  Yes please!!!  I was pretty excited to learn that as we all know that the Blackberry season is almost upon us!  Now just like everything else eat them in moderation, but by all means eat em!!!  My poor husband has a hard time with blackberry seeds so I realize that it just might not be your thing.  Although I am a fan of vitamins, and I myself take am a vitamin popper (Cinnamon, B12, Calcium, Prenatal and Garlic daily).  Before trying to cure illness with medicine read up on the magic of the Blackberry!


Varicose Veins:
Let's start here because when I read this in one of my herb books a few years ago I was elated!!! 

Varicose Veins occur when the biological glue that holds together the veins cell structure begins to weaken.  Allowing the veins to stretch causing blood to pool into them.  Eating Blackberries when is season strengthens varicose veins structure! 

Diabetes:
Now this is for the people that have had it their whole lives.  But knowing that diabetes contributes to blurred vision, it is safe to say that eating blackberries could possibly strengthen retinal blood vessels.  


Disease Prevention:
Best way to stay healthy is to treat your body with the respect it deserves!

Antioxidants are so amazing for your body, and are extremely higher in dark foods such as blackberries, cherries, blueberries!  What antioxidants offer our tired bodies:
They are vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that protect and repair cells from damage caused by free radicals.  To protect yourself from degenerative conditions such as heart disease, cancer, cataracts, macular degeneration eat Blackberries...



Diarrhea:
I know it!   Just typing that word makes me grossed out and giggly at the same time... ;)  Beacause I am in mature and I immediatley think of the diarrhea song from the parenthood movie!!! ;)  BUT here is the skinny.

The astrigent tannins from Blackberry leaves can help control diarrhea and dysentery. 
The same astringent tannins that aid in the mucky poo help with constricting blood vessels helping to stop minor bleeding for wounds in the wild, (a little Bear Grylls info for ya). 

Now on to the fun stuff:  Growing Blackberries!

 

SOIL CONDITIONS:

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil and can tolerate drought.

 

CARE & GROWING:

Plant as soon as the soil has warmed. Dig a hole large enough so as not to bend roots. Trim canes to encourage new growth. Plants should be set out at least 2 feet apart in rows 7 feet apart. Trellising is beneficial for cane support. These summer-bearing berries produce fruit on second year canes (floricanes). In the fall fo the 2nd year, prune spent canes at ground level and thin others to approximately 4 canes per foot of row. Cut off suckers which grow outside of rows. Trim remaining blackberry canes to 7 feet.


HARVESTING:
Harvest berries as soon as they turn a very dark, deep red/purple (black in appearance) - hence the name.


U pick Blackberry Farms:
For those of you without a green thumb!!!

Here is a site for finding a local place to go pick your own Blackberries!!!  And below is my faves!

 www.pickyourown.org


http://www.pickyourown.org/PYO.php?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.summerfieldberryfarm.com/

http://www.americanrivercherrycompany.com/

http://www.pickyourown.org/PYO.php?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.BerryHeavenUSA.com


This will be an updated post as my Blackberry adventures continue!  I will be posting more health info, as well as a few of my Blackberry recipes!!!  If you have any information I would like to hear from you!  Any questions or want to add anything please email me at www.earthyconsumer@yahoo.com!!  Get back to nature and go pick some blackberries!!!  Tread lightly!!!