Blackberries are known for their high antioxidant levels.
The blackberry fruit plant has long been used in Chinese medicine.
Ellagic acid is a natural phenolic compound that occurs in abundance in berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, and blackberries. These fruits are rich sources of antioxidants, which fight free radicals and prevent cell damage.
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Blackberry Facts for Kids
- Blackberries can be eaten raw, dried, or cooked.
- In the United States, blackberries are mostly grown in Oregon.
- Mexico grows the most blackberries.
- Blackberries can grow on vines as well as upright stems.
- When fully ripe, blackberries turn from green to red to black.
They have a variety of health benefits, including improved digestive health, improved immune protection, healthy cardiac function, and relief from endothelium dysfunction.
In North America and other parts of the world, blackberries can be found growing wild and on farms.
Blackberries can bear biennial stems from their perennial root system, with the first stem typically growing to its full length of 3-6 meters (10-20 feet) and bearing large palmately compound leaves with five or seven leaflets.
They are an excellent source of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, folate, C, E, and K. They are also a good source of amino acids and dietary fiber and do not contain any harmful cholesterol.
Blackberry leaves are food for certain caterpillars and some grazing mammals, including deer, are fond of the leaves.
They are rich in bioflavonoids, and Vitamin C, low in sodium and 62 calories a cup, and have one of the highest antioxidant levels of all fruits.
Blackberries help to make skin look younger, keep your brain alert, and promote healthy tightening of the tissue.
Cognitive Benefits
Blackberries have many health benefits, including improved memory, weight management, strong bones, skincare, disease-free eyes, and normal blood clotting.
Blackberries are rich in tannin content, which reduces intestinal inflammation and soothes the effects of diarrhea. Use them in a variety of ways, even as a smoothie.
The leaves can be added to tea or a therapeutic drink, and the healthy dose of Vitamin K helps with labor pains and menstrual cramps.
Should you Eat Wild Blackberries
Wild blackberries are delicious, but they also contain high levels of oxalic acid. How much should I eat?
Oxalic acid is found naturally in plants such as wild blackberries, rhubarb, spinach, and beans. The amount varies depending on the plant, but generally speaking, the higher the concentration of oxalic acid, the more bitter the fruit or vegetable.
Oxalic acid is toxic to humans at high doses. Overeating can cause kidney stones, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
When are blackberries generally in season?
The best time for blackberry picking is from June through September. However, the berries are available year-round.
How long do blackberry bushes take to produce fruit?
You can expect fruit two years after planting. After planting a primocane variety in spring, you may get some fruit the first fall.
Can blackberry plants survive frost?
Cooler weather can kill off young blackberry plants, but older plants will usually tolerate temperatures of 0 to 10 degrees F.
