Everyone said, "Pull them out! They are a wild plant and hard to control. They will take over." But these blackberries knew exactly what they were doing. They were on the edge of my yard and gracefully hung themselves over the rock wall there. They basked all summer in the heat radiating off the rocks and have produced the sweetest most succulent crop of blackberries that I have ever tasted. I can't say that I got a ton. Just three large freezer bags. But of course that doesn't take into account all that I ate in between and for the first year, that's not bad. And they have since enjoyed being in salads, yogurt, and smoothies. I've thought about making jam, but the truth is that I don't use jam all that often and made a batch of apricot earlier in the year. Besides, I enjoy the tart explosion of flavour that these offer on their own. Now all that's really left are the elderberries, rose hips and a few wild apples.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Last Tastes of Summer
The last taste of summer has now come and gone. Just a couple weeks ago I was still collecting these wild blackberries that lovingly transplanted themselves in my yard.
Everyone said, "Pull them out! They are a wild plant and hard to control. They will take over." But these blackberries knew exactly what they were doing. They were on the edge of my yard and gracefully hung themselves over the rock wall there. They basked all summer in the heat radiating off the rocks and have produced the sweetest most succulent crop of blackberries that I have ever tasted. I can't say that I got a ton. Just three large freezer bags. But of course that doesn't take into account all that I ate in between and for the first year, that's not bad. And they have since enjoyed being in salads, yogurt, and smoothies. I've thought about making jam, but the truth is that I don't use jam all that often and made a batch of apricot earlier in the year. Besides, I enjoy the tart explosion of flavour that these offer on their own. Now all that's really left are the elderberries, rose hips and a few wild apples.
Everyone said, "Pull them out! They are a wild plant and hard to control. They will take over." But these blackberries knew exactly what they were doing. They were on the edge of my yard and gracefully hung themselves over the rock wall there. They basked all summer in the heat radiating off the rocks and have produced the sweetest most succulent crop of blackberries that I have ever tasted. I can't say that I got a ton. Just three large freezer bags. But of course that doesn't take into account all that I ate in between and for the first year, that's not bad. And they have since enjoyed being in salads, yogurt, and smoothies. I've thought about making jam, but the truth is that I don't use jam all that often and made a batch of apricot earlier in the year. Besides, I enjoy the tart explosion of flavour that these offer on their own. Now all that's really left are the elderberries, rose hips and a few wild apples.
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21 comments:
Beautiful! I love fresh berries!
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Hi Chani, So do I. One of my favorite summer things.
Man, I cut across a field just the other day and there were still blackberries there. That's weird. They're usually gone by at least 3 weeks by now. And its not like we've had a late warm season either... Nice photo though!
Mouthwatering... I love to nibble on them even half frozen. I am waiting for your fall photos, coz I know they will be very artistic :-)
My friend and I have been as busy as you, Carla. Out collecting wild and free food, just simply the best.
Best wishes,
Carla.
VE, Same thing here. Not sure what's up with that. Perhaps berries (at least blackberries) don't thrive in long hot summers.
Fida, I love frozen berries, they are a delectable treat. Fall is gorgeous around here...I really should get busy and post some photos.
Annie, It really is the best, isn't it. Not really sure why, but those sorts of things give me such joy.
I like blackberries and perhaps you'll have a lot of birds in your yard.
Sounds delicious!
I'd say 3 large freezer bags is a score, and I've actually considered planting blackberry or raspberry in our yard. The problem however, is the lack of space. The tomatoes have taken over!
H'lo Nomad. Yum! Blackberries are unique...succulent. Good thing you don't listen to Everyone. Enjoy the smoothies instead. Nice capture in the photo.
Aaouie, Actually, I do have a lot of birds in my yard. They like the wild cherry tree that's not far away.
Mark, Truly is.
Rowena, Raspberries are probably easier to manage. They don't have the huge thorns that blackberries do.
Fool, Sure thing. I'll be enjoying smoothies while the others are enjoying who knows what...but certainly won't be as tasty.
YUM! berries just happen to be my favorite fruit. How lucky you are to have such sweetness right in your backyard.
Yet your neighbors are right. You will have to keep an eye on them boys for they do have a tendancy to go wild.
What a sweet..or shall I say "tart" surprise in your back yard! How I envy you!
oh yum. Blackberries are my very favorite and in no small measure why I like Oregon so much. Whacha gonna do with the elderberries? Watch the birds have brunch all winter long maybe? :)
Yum! Personally I would have to cook them to keep from giving myself lemon face when eating them!
Yum. We don't have blackberries growing here. I haven't made jam in a long time. I have made the apricot butter, plum butter and mango butter, but I use those for cooking with chicken.
NYD, They're not going wild, they already are. And yes, very lucky.
Envoy-ette, Oh, if you were closer I would be more than happy to share.
JBelle, What a fantastic idea. I might just do that.
Guilty, Cooked they are absolutely fabulous as well.
Dawn, I wouldn't have thought of using those things for cooking with chicken, but it sounds like a fabulous idea. A bit like chutney I imagine.
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