Blackberries from the Garden

I have Blackberries growing wild in the garden, planted by nature and which looks as though there is going to be quite a substantial amount of berries on this year.  Today I took first pickings and I have a good 1kg of lovely Blackberries, which are initially going into the freezer as I intend to use these towards jam and jelly.  At the moment I am not in the position to process the berries, and therefore storing them in the freezer will allow me the time to get ready and do this when time is not so tight.  Accumulating the berries will also mean that I will be able to make a bigger batch of jam.  I tend in any event to use 1kg of fruit to 1kg of sugar for anyone particular batch of jam. I am also planning on dehydrating some as well to add to Muesli or Granola for the Winter months.

I also intend to go and see whether or not the Blackberries are ready in the Wild or whether I need to wait a little further before being able to go and gather and get them preserved in Whisky, bottled in syrup for puddings and cordials and wine.  Bottling them in a very light syrup gives double duty as in effect you get a drink mix which can be diluted with water or fizzy water, or added to wine to make a Kir.  The fruit can then be used in a pudding. 

There is going to be a lot to do in the coming weeks and  months ahead as I not only use the Wild Larder, but use the shop bought items to make different preserves as well.  You have to gather your items from where you can and that differs from area to area in any event.

Blackberries for me though are a useful crop.  A very useful crop which provides some lovely eating moving forward.  And the best thing is that you do not have to pay for the fruit, just for the sugar and a little of your time.  I always think it is sacrilege not to take advantage of the wild blackberry crop.

I still have a lot in the freezer from last year, and I plan to go to one of the local Freezer shops to see what fruit they have available as well. One of them tends to charge about £5 for three bags.

The madness will soon begin where I am tied to the kitchen processing the different ingredients which is why I am not processing the berries at the moment.  I have other projects to deal with and get out the way with first.

I do have photographs of the berries.  Unfortunately for some reason there seems to be a go slow.  Will therefore upload them soon.

Catch you later.

Pattypan

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