The afternoon rolled in with grey skies overhead, a perfect time to harvest blackberries.
Here in Central Florida it is not unusual to see wild Blackberries growing on the side of the road. A couple of years ago I started with 4 canes and now I have a nice little patch which I need to seriously tend and weed.
Blackberries are called Brambles because the blackberry ‘cane’ is an arching, thorny, woody stem; where ever the tip touches ground, it takes root and spreads.
I have mine growing by the fence (the fence serves as my trellis). The Florida wild blackberry can easily become unmanageable quickly. I would recommend to always wear gloves and long sleeves (perhaps long pants too) when working on this type of blackberry. This is an easy no brainer fruit for a weekend gardener because it can go days without watering. The rewards of this harvest is a winner in my book.
Blackberries have one of the highest levels of antioxidants,which are natural substances that slow the aging process.
- Medicinal Blackberry Leaf Tea:
is used by herbalists to treat sore throats.
• 1 pint boiling water
• 1 oz dried leaves (from first year ‘cane’ – no fruit will be on it)
• sugar or honey to taste
Pour boiling water over leaves and steep for 10 minutes.
Drink one tea-cup at a time, up to 3 times a day.
