NZquilter

Our blackberries are ripe and I'm looking for ways to use them or preserve them. Last year I made jam, but we eat so little jam it more seems a waste than a preserve. My DH suggested just freezing them and then using them throughout the year in smoothies or crumbles/crisps. Sounds fine and easy to me. I just don't want to waste them. And other ideas? Thanks!

Tartan

My Father grew wonderful blackberries. My mother would lay them out on wax paper on cookie sheets and lay them flat until frozen. Once they were hard, she would dump them into freezer bags and leave them in the freezer until needed. It worked really well.

QuiltE

Freeze them for sure.

You can use them in so many different ways
pies, crisps, crumbles, cobblers, muffins, cheesecake topping, jam, jellies, smoothies, pancakes/waffles (in or as a topping), with green salads, mixed fruit salads, with yogurt .................. the list is endless!

Really, anywhere that you use other berries, just substitute.

I bet there are even blackberry wine recipes, if that is of interest to you.

Chasing Hawk

I wish we had Blackberry patches on our side of the mountains.

I love Blackberry preserves and Blackberry wine. Too bad you didn't live closer I would buy some of your preserves and blackberries from you.

Dollyo

I make wine. So far, the best wine that I've made is my blackberry. Usually wine ages in the bottle for 6-12 months to reach it's peak flavor. My blackberry was ready to drink when we bottled it. Having a hard time waiting 4 months, let alone 6-12 months. I bought my blackberries from a grocery store, wine made from your home grown berries would be even better.

cindyb

I have wild 'mulberry' trees (or large bushes). Would all these suggestions work for them? I usually just let them fall to the ground.

Barb in Louisiana

I have used blackberry jelly in Oriental Dishes instead of sweet & sour sauce and sometimes with. I put a little bit in a bowl. Stir it good and see if I like it.

Jane Quilter

Be sure to wash them (gently) first, to let the Japanese Beetles float to the surface. The little boogers are hard to see on blackberries. I grow a 50 foot row of these wonderful fruits and they can take up a lot of freezer/container space. I like the smoothe idea to condense them. My grandkids have been making smoothe popcycles with the sour cherries and now the black raspberries and soon the blackberries. Its magic at Meme's house where snacks grow on trees!

Libster

Mulberries make great pies. And wine.

NZquilter

I like that method. Thanks! That way I don't need to defrost more than needed; perfect!