The Boss and I never call them 'blackberries', they are always brambles to us and they are another one of Mother nature's hedgerow foraging treats, or in this case an orchard foraging treat. We're also convinced that the beautifully named bird the 'Brambling' eats them too. Although last year's crop was pretty good this year's harvest promises some absolutely bumper picking, already the briars are laden with fruit and there are lots more of these luscious berries to ripen.
So the promise this year is for lots of jams, jellies, pies, tarts and cakes and that wonderful savoury accompaniment to game, pickled blackberries, sorry brambles.
I can barely wait, meanwhile we simply pick a few to tease the tastebuds while we are walking the Jack Russell Terriers.
The two terriers like them too but at least they don't get black fingers.
Hello John. Maybe a bumper crop, but around here at least they're very late. Normally there's plenty ripe by now but it looks as if they are at least two or three weeks away. Amazing how the time goes, it'll be pike time too soon.
ReplyDeleteStrangely and coincidentally I received an email from the Woodland Trust saying they were scarce but the sheltered overgrown orchard will be raided this weekend. Next week I'm checking my new permission for pike fishing. I'll report back to you and BB. All the best, John
ReplyDeletePS Dorset looked exciting. I don't think my replacement knees are certificated for that kind of descent!
BrAmble jelly and all that. They are late here as well. Boffins say light levels have been too low all year and are considering vitamin d tabs to find off rickets. Must be your big open skies out West.
ReplyDeletePiking sounds interesting John. We must go back to the stillwater "where I've never blanked". You caught it on a bad day. Dorset was a real adventure.
ReplyDeletePiking sounds interesting John. We must go back to the stillwater "where I've never blanked". You caught it on a bad day. Dorset was a real adventure.
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