Method of Preparation: Other Names: Dewberry, Bramble [wild roses are also known as Bramble or Bramblebush. Cultivated varieties include Loganberry, Boysenberry, Youngberry, Cascadeberry and garden blackberry. There are several species of blackberries but as they are similar in appearance, tend to hybridize freely and all are edible I won't go into detail. They are members of the genus, Rubus, as are Raspberries and are members of the Rose family along with Saskatoons, Hawthorns, Strawberries, Plums, Pin and Choke cherries, Crabapples, and Rowan trees. How To Recognize: Closely related to raspberries with compound aggregate fruits, composed of many small juicy fruits called drupelets, each with a single seed, adhereing together to form the "berry". When ripe, blackberries break off with the whitish receptacle in the middle still attached, in contrast to raspberries, which break off freely from the receptacle, leaving a hollow cavity in the middle of the fruit. They can be slender-caned and trailing [dewberries] or stouter and upright [blackberries]. The stems of all blackberries are woody and usually prickle covered. The leaves are compound with 3 to 5 leaflets, toothed at the edges. The flowers are white to pinkish in small to large clusters and the ripe berries are dark red to black, juicy and slightly acid. Where To Find: Blackberries are mainly resticted to the eastern provinces and southern BC. They are found in dry open woods and along roadsides. They will take over waste places and old farm orchards and gardens where they can form dense thickets and choke out less aggressive plants. How To Use: Fresh or cooked, alone or with cream, sugar or other dressings. Ice cream. Syrups for beverages, coolers, cocktails and sauces. Jams, jellies and preserves. Wine. Pies, tarts, cobblers and crisps. Sauce for cheesecake. Alone or with apples, raspberries or other fruits. The Indians used to mash them into cakes and dry them in the sun or over a fire for winter use. They can be dries whole like raisins. The leaves can be used for tea.
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