Summer is spelled as ‘blackberries’ for me. I love blackberries. For starters, it is easy to eat (no peeling!). Plus the sweet and juicy flavour makes for a tasty treat. No wonder it’s a favourite among kids. But along with these immediate benefits, this delicious fruit has a lot more on offer.
Talk of skin, hair or overall health, this yummy fruit extends its benefits to all. Blackberries are available in plenty during mid-autumn. It is an aggregate fruit, composed of several smaller fruits known as drupes. It belongs to theRosaceaefamily. The fruit is deep purple in colour with smooth, fragile skin. Thanks to the fruitfulness of blackberries, they have even found mention in the Bible and British folklore.
Blackberry Nutrition Chart: (USDA)
| Principle | Nutrient Value | Percentage of RDA |
| Energy | 43 Kcal | |
| Carbohydrates | 9.61 g | |
| Protein | 1.39 g | |
| Total Fat | 0.49 g | |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.3 g | |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 25 µg | |
| Niacin | 0.646 mg | |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.276 mg | |
| Pyridoxine | 0.030 mg | |
| Thiamin | 0.020 IU | |
| Vitamin A | 214 IU | |
| Vitamin C | 21 mg | |
| Vitamin E | 1.17 mg | |
| Vitamin K | 19.8 µg | |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 1 mg | |
| Potassium | 162 mg | |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 29 mg | |
| Copper | 165 µg | |
| Iron | 0.62 mg | |
| Magnesium | 20 mg | |
| Manganese | 0.646 mg | |
| Selenium | 0.4 µg | |
| Zinc | 0.53 mg | |
| Phyto-nutrients | ||
| Carotene-ß | 128 µg | |
| Carotene-α | 0 µg | |
| Lutein-zeaxanthin | 118 µg |
By Dwight Sipler from Stow, MA, USA (BlackberriesUploaded by Jacopo Werther) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Benefits of Blackberry Fruit for Skin
Our skin plays a vital role in our outer appearance. Most of us fail to realise that our skin eventually reflects what we eat. A good daily supply of vital nutrients is required for that glowing and perfect skin. Blackberries are rich in Vitamins A and C. Over and above this, they offer highest levels of some antioxidants – higher than blueberries and strawberries too. The very dark colour of the fruit is the proof of its high antioxidants’ level. As a result it is beneficial for the skin.
1. Fights Free Radicals:
Anthocyanocides and polyphenols are two antioxidants found in abundance in blackberries. These help in fighting free radicals. The collagen-forming Vitamin C and Vitamin A make it only more appropriate for skin. These vitamins also act as antioxidants. Regular consumption of blackberries protects skin against the damaging UVA and UVB and aids in skin cell renewal.
2. Hydrates Skin:
Blackberries comprise more than 85% water with an abundant dose of fiber. Both of these are essential for healthy-looking skin. Consumption of blackberries detoxifies the body, maintaining the elasticity of skin.
A good way to enjoy the goodness of blackberries for your skin is through a face mask. Here’s how:
This face mask is ideal for hydrating the skin while supplying essential nutrients to it.
3. Rejuvenates the Skin:
Vitamins A, C and K in blackberries are excellent for skin rejuvenation. Their Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids-rich seeds are vital for healthy skin.
Here’s an effective face mask recipe for skin rejuvenation.
Regular application of this face mask will help your skin rejuvenate. It will also ensure smooth, moisturized and hydrated skin.
4. Skin Cleanser for Oily Skin:
Blackberries are great for cleansing and detoxification of oily skin too.
Prepare a natural skin cleanser for oily skin with this recipe:
This natural skin cleanser will help remove excess oil and shrink the pores – purifying your skin from deep within.
5. Treatment of Wounds:
Blackberry leaves contain tannins with brilliant astringent qualities. These prevent the formation of blood clots. Traditionally, the fruit leaves are used to heal wounds, open sores and scratches. Blackberries also assist in soothing skin ailments psoriasis. The antioxidants aid in clearing acne. The brew, made from blackberry leaves, is applied topically to cure Eczema.
Benefits of Blackberry Fruit for Hair
The high content of antioxidants in blackberries makes it ideal for hair care too.
6. Healthy Hair:
Vitamin C, found in blackberries, is largely responsible for collagen production and contributes to strong hair. The antioxidants help combat the harmful and damaging effects of the environment on hair. Topical application of the fruit extract is known to add instant volume, shine and bounce to hair.
Benefits of Blackberry Fruit for Health
7. Gum Care:
The leaves and bark of the blackberry plant are known for being consumed traditionally. They are used to treat mild gum inflammation and bleeding gums too.
8. Menstrual Bleeding:
Consuming blackberry leaves helps get relief from excessive bleeding during menses. The fruit is also used to regulate menses and considered a uterine tonic.
9. Dysentery:
Blackberry leaves and fruit can help treat diarrhoea. To use, simply boil the leaves or fruit. Strain and drink the water to get relief.
10. Diabetes:
The high potassium content of blackberries helps reduce insulin. Daily consumption of blackberries with one teaspoon of honey helps control diabetes. For good results, it is best advised to have this for at least a week. Not only can the fruit, blackberry leaves also be consumed for its anti-diabetic properties.
11. Healthy Bones:
The decent content of calcium, found in blackberries, contribute in strengthening bones.
12. Red Blood Cells:
Blackberries contain minerals like potassium, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Together, these help a great deal in producing white and red blood cells.
13. Haemorrhoids:
The pulp made from blackberry fruits, is widely used to heal haemorrhoids and even conjunctivitis.
14. Cancer:
Blackberries have antioxidants called Ellagic acid. These can help in the prevention of certain cancer cells.
How to Select and Store?
Tips for Selection:
When buying blackberries always:
Tips for Storage:
Blackberries perish quite fast. They can turn soft, mushy and moldy within mere 24 hours. So here are some storage tips:
To Freeze Berries:
To Use Frozen Berries:
Usage Tips (Cooking/Eating)
Blackberries sure can be enjoyed in its raw and natural form. But there are other delicious ways of relishing this juicy fruit. Here are few cooking and eating tips:
1. Drizzle fresh blackberries with honey or toss them with a little sugar.
2. Combine different berries and relish the goodness of a yummy fruit salad.
3. Mash blackberries and strain them through cheesecloth or a fine sieve to remove the seeds. This juice can be either mixed with water or sweetener. It can also be canned or frozen for future use.
4. Add the above prepared juice to smoothies, mocktails and cocktails.
5. Use whole blackberries and sugar to prepare lip smacking jams, jellies and conserves.
6. Blackberry syrup can make for a tempting topping for ice creams and pancakes. When serving as a dessert topping, sprinkle some toasted almonds and hazelnuts. It can also be used as fruit syrup to add more flavour to drinks.
To Make Blackberry Syrup:
7. A handful of blackberries can be added to an apple crumble to prepare a delicious autumnal pudding. It can also be mixed with apples in blackberry pies, muffins and cakes.
8. Use it as a condiment with meat and sea-food.
9. Blackberry liquor is also loved by many. To make this, berries and sugar are macerated with 80 or 100 proof vodka for two weeks. The mixture is then strained and more vodka is added to it.
10. Mix blackberries with apples, kiwi and strawberries to make a delicious fruit salsa. Enjoy it with chips.
11. Blackberry leaves are used for a refreshing cup of tea or enhanced as a therapeutic drink. It has a bitter taste so add honey or other sweeteners to enjoy it better.
Are you a blackberries’ lover too? Tell us how you include blackberries in your diet. Also share the benefits that blackberries have had on you by leaving your comments below.
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