Blackberries are one of the nutritious wild fruits you can eat, and they grow everywhere here in the UK. It's not too late to pick them; you can freeze them for later use, or eat them as you pick, which I sometimes do, so it takes me a while to fill my basket.
Blackberries are rich in vitamins C, K, A and folate, also rich in minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorous, and antioxidants, including anthocyanins and polyphenols, which contribute to the health benefits.
We love picking them when they are plump and juicy!
My favourite recipe for blackberries is to make them into fruit leather because I can enjoy them all year round. It's fun and easy to make.
Blackberry leather, also known as fruit leather or fruit roll-up, is a tasty and healthy snack made by pureeing fruit and then dehydrating it until it becomes a flexible, chewy sheet.
Here's a simple procedure for making blackberry leather:
Ingredients:
Lots of Blackberries
Sugar (optional)
Equipment:
Blender or food processor
Baking sheet or nonstick mat
Dehydrator or an oven
Procedure:
Pick the blackberries, wash and remove any stems or leaves.
Place the blackberries in a blender or food processor. Add the sugar to taste. The sugar is optional but helps enhance the flavour and sweetness of the leather. Blend until you have a smooth puree.
Line a baking tray with a non-stick baking mat or parchment paper. Make sure it's larger than the tray so that you have some overhang on the edges, and then pour the blackberry puree onto the prepared baking tray. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, aiming for a thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Ensure the puree is evenly spread with no gaps.
If you have a food dehydrator, set it to the fruit leather or 135°F (57°C) setting.
Place the baking tray with the puree in the dehydrator and let it dry for 6-10 hours. The drying time can vary depending on the thickness of the puree, humidity, and your dehydrator settings. Check it periodically.
Dehydrate in an oven:
If you don't have a dehydrator, you can use your oven. Set it to the lowest temperature (usually around 170°F or 75°C) and leave the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and let it dry for 4-6 hours or until the blackberry puree is no longer sticky to the touch.
The blackberry leather is ready but still pliable when it's dry to the touch. It should not be overly sticky.
Once it's done, remove the blackberry leather from the dehydrator or oven and let it cool. Then, peel it off the baking mat or parchment paper.
If desired, cut it into strips or shapes.
Or roll it up.
Tie with twine to secure.
Store in airtight jar, it should last 12 months or more.
Enjoy your homemade blackberry leather as a healthy snack or treat. You can experiment with different fruits and flavor combinations by mixing other fruits or adding spices as desired.
Have a wonderful day!
Mariah 💚🍃