Blackberries are known for their tart and sweet flavor, and the leaves are used in teas for a number of different reasons. Many people see the plant as not only trail nibble, a great jam, wine and pie berry producer, but also as a seriously invasive pest. Touting some of nature's best qualities all rolled into one plant, it has the aggressive behavior of Sumac, spreading by rhizome taking over where left unchecked.
BLACKBERRY PLANT BASICS
In my neck of the woods blackberries grow EVERYWHERE. In fact the plant has a tendency to squeeze out others once it gets established. If they were not so incredibly sweet, accessible, healthy and abundant, I am sure people would find a way to contain them quick. Blackberries are native to many countries in many continents. Seems to be a plant that has been established on this planet from the beginning. In fact, there are many scientific stories of unearthing people with blackberries in the stomachs.
Invasiveness and Plant Uses
The only way to rid your area of the blackberry plant is to completely remove the roots. COMPLETELY! Small bits of root will shoot off new saplings and grow those root systems all over again. I trim the plants back and pull out the root systems when they start encroaching into unwanted areas. I do this using heavy gloves, the thorns are the worst problem to contend with. Once cleared I take the thorny branches and stack them along the edges of my fencing to discourage small pests from entering. I also use them in my branch compost and Huglekultrs, as they are loaded with soil positive matter.
Compounds and Components
Blackberries are high in fiber and protein. These little suckers pack a punch due to their high antioxidant content, amino acids and their potent vitamin and mineral content.
Vitamins
Vitamin A, Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Vitamin B6, Folate (B9), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K
Minerals
Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium , Sodium, Zinc
Antioxidants and Such
Phenolic Acids, Flavonoids, Flavonols, Anthocyanosides, carotenoids, ellagitannins, ellagic, acidomega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid), omega-6 fats (linoleic acid), cyaniding-3-O-glucoside
Uses
Blackberries have, since records have shown, been used as trail nibble. Eating small steady quantities of these berries is above healthy for your body. It is a continual addition of needed, and craved for, compounds and a plethora of goodness. Eaten this way, on a regular basis, during season, increases my body's ability to withstand immune issues in the cooler season ahead.
Other common uses of blackberries include, tea, syrup, jam, jelly, pie filling and salad additions. The low sugar content, surprisingly, makes for awesome syrups, jams and jellies. I use the berries in salads, with other berries, as a booster, and in my oatmeal. The berries themselves are quite tart and many people are turned off by the taste and aftertaste. I scarf em' down regardless because I find they give me an energy boost. I try not to eat too many raw berries though, they will make you poop! :) Yet drinking a tea of the leaves (and or bark) help alleviate diarrhea, amazing how that works.
Benefits
The benefits of these berries are far to numerous to mention, but I will list a few that I find to be most useful.
Anti-
They are an astringent, help reverse and control abnormal functioning of the inner lining of blood vessels, boosts your immune system, boosts your cognitive ability, helps improve digestion, their high protein and low sugar content can aid in weight loss, help heal bones and curb the problem with stones, since the body is in-taking usable calcium instead of pulling it from the bones, and the vitamins are VERY skin friendly.
What a great addition to my diet. I even add them to my coffee when I am in the mood for a little flavor, which is not often, but it's delicious.
Remember to eat those seeds, they are super high in many aspects of the berry. In fact the seeds are what contain the omega fatty acids.
Maintenance
I trim the bushes back in the winter. I do this because it is far easier to see what you are getting into when you stick your arm in to trim. Depending on where they are located I will trim them specifically to the location. Close to the house I usually keep them trimmed down under 3 feet. Out on the trails, I keep them off the trail and back about 3 feet, since they grow crazy fast. If i am using them to pick from, I usually carve out a walk in area. It is, though, far easier to do this when they are overwintering.
Sidenote
Well please up-vote and follow if you like my content. I will continue to post similar articles on plants, homegrown foods, gardening and homesteading ideas. Again thanks for dropping in. Remember that this is not medical advice nor do I prescribe anything to anyone. This post is for educational purposes only. Your body is your temple, treat it well. Have a great garden!
