In season now – British blackberries

Blackberries are a seasonal favourite. But did you know as well as being delicious, they are also very good for you?

Fighting colds

Just one cup of raw blackberries has 30.2 milligrams of vitamin C – half our daily recommended amount of this vital vitamin.
Vitamin C is essential for fighting colds and helping our bodies absorb iron. It’s also great for our skin too.

K vitamins

The vitamin K family are fat-soluble and are important for strong and healthy bones, as well as helping our blood to clot properly. They can also help reduce fracture and bruising risks when people have falls.

Healthy teeth & gums

A 2013 study by the College of Dentistry at the University of Kentucky found blackberry extract contained anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help to prevent gum disease and cavities too.

Heart health

Like many other purple fruits, blackberries are a fabulous source of anthocyanins, an antioxidant that is thought by researchers to provide protection against heart disease when consumed as part of a healthy diet.

How to eat

Blackberries can be enjoyed as a snack or breakfast cereal topping when raw. They can also be added to desserts like trifles or cooked with apples to make crumbles and pies.

They could also be used for jams or to create a fruity sauce to serve with venison, duck or other meats. Check out some recipe ideas here.