Food for All

As we speak, an abundance of nature’s gifts lies hidden in plain sight.

Along hedgerows, winding footpaths, and at the edges of woodlands.

Of course, I’m talking about blackberries.

These small, jewel-like fruits appear between the months of July and September, shifting from green to a dark purple-black as they ripen.

For centuries, people have gathered these berries as a free, natural food source.

Yet, as my friend and I explore the countryside of the West Midlands, we notice something rather remarkable. Despite this abundance, many people walk past these wild fruits without a second glance. But at the same time, spend money buying berries packaged in plastic and shipped from far away.

The irony of modern life.

Some I picked on my travels

Not only are these berries free and plentiful, they emerge exactly as nature intends them to.

Seasonally, locally, and above all, without the deliberate use of pesticides.

(You might want to read the small print on your “organic” fruit)

Nevertheless, it’s clear that nature will extend its hand to you. If, of course, you’re willing to look.

And as whilst we talk about looking, I’ll tell you exactly what to look for when it comes to these small fruits. First, the colour (naturally). Those that are green, red or in-between are not yet ripe. Leave them and they’ll reward you in the coming days and weeks.

Second, the resistance. Blackberries that are truly ripe will not take much pulling at all (remember I talked about nature extending its hand?).

But like everything, intuition is key. You will know if a berry is ready to be eaten by its taste. If it tastes overly sour, you will naturally spit it out.

Anyway, what would a blog be without some tips to take with you before we wrap up? Firstly, be careful of the thorns and brambles as you pick, I’ve had a my fair share of scratches on my foraging expeditions through the country. It’s also best to avoid those beside busy roads, unless you’re particularly fond of a hint of car fumes with your fruit. And lastly, I always pick them no lower than knee height (for obvious reasons).

And a less obvious one, but whilst we’re at the beginning of blackberry season, i’ve observed the best growers near bodies of water.

Picking the first of the season

But perhaps what I like most about these natural gifts is that they provide for all. Young and old, big and small. I still remember my granny picking them in her own garden in her mid 90’s, and making her speciality apple and blackberry crumble (I’ve never had as good since!).

A frequent childhood foraging spot: Granny’s garden

Truly a food for all.

Luckily for you, I’m telling you about this whilst we’re still in July, so you have lots of time. Check your garden, check the local park and nature reserves, and you’ll find them in no time.

Here’s to a summer of free fruit.

Ollie