Blackberries are wonderful this year...

[kippers garden]

I know we have had some rubbish crops due to the weather this year but I just wanted to say that the blackberries are great this year aren't they.  I have had some massive ones.

There are some pictures on the link below:

http://notjustgreenfingers.wordpress.com/category/preserving/


I made some really tasty seedless blackberry jam and each jar only cost me 45p to make!

[kippers garden]

[Digeroo]

Totally agree.  Very good both in the garden and the hedgerows.  Huge and good flavour this year, rather small last year.

[gavinjconway]

It's my first year with a plot and I have a few on the back fence... Also loads along the back pathways and I have picked about 8 lbs so far!! Good seedless jam now made..

[Debs]

Yes it is the best year for my thornless blackberry bushes which are producing lovely large fruit  ;D

Debs

[Borlotti]

This is the first year they have been rubbish, here in not so sunny Enfield, north London.  I think maybe the Council disturbed them when they put the new fence up around the allotment.  Also the bindweed seems to have taken over.  This is the first year that I have considered planting some on my allotment, as now that so many of the allotments have been taken, not so many secret places to pick.  Must say raspberries are brilliant this year, picking everyday. But did manage to pick a few small blackberries today, before the rain, so blackberry and apple crumble tonight with cream.  ;D ;D ;D ;D

[Strawberrygirl]

The blackberries surrounding our lotty have been fab aswell, but no one picks them except for me (do they know something i don't perhaps ???).  I have to say though i am now a bit fed up with stewed blackberries with my yoghurt , and 5 crumbles (some with apple, some without).  I have never made jam though, does anyone have a really easy peasy recipe?

[Spireite]

There are recipes on the side of S!lver Spoon Jam/preserving sugar..I know people on here use normal (non jam) sugar and then add lemon juice.
Mush then strain the fruit, bring to boiling point with lemon juice and a thingy of butter, jar up once the wrinkle test is passed on a cold saucer.....
I'm sure there are others on here with simpler and more effective recipes
I have now a straining bag, and might try it this weekend as the hedgerows...and part  of my garden is heaving with fruit  ;D

[Gordonmull]

Oh dear, that time of year again already?! :o

Time to get the buckets and plasters out and scour the back fields... and get last year's bramble wine out of the demijohn. Yum, yum.

[tricia]

The patch where I always picked blackberries has disappeared under a huge BMX race track. Does anyone know of an easily accessible area for blackberrying around Torbay please? I have come to the end of my bramble jelly from two years ago and would love to make some more!

Tricia