Where to pick the most beautiful wild blackberries and how to cook them in August 2024?
High season August Wild harvesting Gourmet recipes Conservation tips
August is the perfect month to go for a walk and come back with purple fingers, a smile on your face, a basket overflowing with juicy wild blackberries 🥗. But why so much enthusiasm for this shiny black fruit? Simple: wild blackberries are summer in a nutshell, raw indulgence, cooking that begins in nature. In just a few handfuls, you have enough to transform your breakfasts, desserts, or aperitifs into a vitamin-packed feast. Ready to start picking in 2024 and twist your cooking with easy recipes?
Where to find the tastiest blackberries?
Wild blackberries love country hedges , forest edges, paths and old sunny embankments. To find the most generous spots, focus on:
- Little-used country paths , away from roads and treated areas (pesticides: no thanks!)
- The hillsides, edges of woods and edges of pastures, often rich in brambles
- Towpaths or river banks, where the vegetation is dense and the brambles vigorous
If you're in the city, check out urban nature parks or wastelands (but avoid highways). Peak blackberry season runs from late July to early September , but August is prime time for a juicy, fragrant harvest. Choose a cool morning or early evening, when the fruit is barely warmed by the sun, for an explosion of flavor!
When you get home, a gourmet break is a must: a homemade smoothie, a few ice cubes, fresh blackberries, and a sturdy blender. For ideas, explore our selection of efficient blenders for the season.
Tips for a successful harvest 🥗
- Look for brambles that are well exposed to the sun : they produce sweeter, plumper blackberries. Pick only the black, shiny fruits that come off easily.
- Equip yourself with a wide basket or shallow boxes : blackberries are fragile, they quickly crush if you pile them up. An old Tupperware or a basket with holes, and hey presto, it's perfect.
- Consider long clothing : sleeves and pants protect against thorns (and ticks). Thin gloves if you have sensitive skin.
- Wash the blackberries quickly in fresh water : do not soak them for long periods, otherwise they will become waterlogged and lose their flavor. Drain them on a clean cloth.
- Respect nature and the law : never take the entire harvest from a bush (birds love it too), avoid private land, and do not pull up brambles.
- Leftovers? Think about freezing them : spread them out on a baking sheet, then, once frozen, slip them into a bag. Perfect for quick smoothies or winter desserts!
Fancy a savory break after picking? Nothing beats a summer barbecue : serve blackberries in a sauce or chutney to accompany meats and cheeses, it's amazing!
How to cook them: easy and original ideas 🔥
Crumbles and rustic tarts
Mix blackberries, a little sugar and flour, cover with shortcrust pastry or crumble and bake. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Express compote
Heat blackberries with a touch of honey or maple syrup. Perfect on pancakes, yogurt, or a slice of toasted brioche.
Vitamin-packed purple smoothie
Mix blackberries, banana, yogurt, and a few ice cubes in a blender. Need a powerful appliance? Our selection of blenders is up to the task.
Sweet and savory sauce for grilling
Make a blackberry-vinegar-balsamic sauce to coat duck breast, grilled meats, or halloumi. Perfect for spicing up your next air fryer or barbecue!
Fruity ice cubes
Add a few whole blackberries to ice cube trays filled with water or lemonade. The result: ultra-cool and colorful summer drinks!
Summer salad full of pep
Add blackberries to a salad of arugula, goat cheese, walnuts, and balsamic vinegar. A sweet and savory combination that's sure to surprise.
For other dessert or appetizer ideas, head over to Les Recettes de la Semaine : you'll find plenty of seasonal and original inspiration based on summer fruits.
Budget, equipment & good purchasing tips
Wild foraging: it's free, fun, and you get ultra-fresh fruit. But if you want to equip yourself or supplement your harvest, here are a few tips:
- Reusable baskets or boxes : There's nothing better for transporting your blackberries without crushing them. A wide basket is ideal.
- Blender for smoothies, compotes or sauces : discover our selection of blenders for versatile use.
- Barbecue or air fryer : to test sweet and savory combinations, our comparison of the best air fryers 2025 will help you choose the perfect model.
- Local markets : If you've had enough pickings, head to the market. Producers often offer fresh blackberries at reasonable prices in August.
Small budget? Focus on picking your own fruit while you're out and about. And keep an eye out for summer sales on barbecues and grilling accessories to accompany your fruity recipes all summer long!
FAQ
Where to safely pick wild blackberries?
Favor hedges, paths, and edges away from roads and treated fields. Avoid polluted areas, highway embankments, and private land without permission. A sunny corner of the countryside or forest is ideal!
How do you know if a blackberry is ripe?
A ready-to-pick wild blackberry is black, shiny, plump, and peels off easily. Red or matte fruits are still sour or too firm: let them ripen a little.
Can you freeze wild blackberries easily?
Yes! Wash them gently, dry them, then spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze them flat. Once hard, transfer them to a bag: perfect for smoothies, compotes, or winter desserts.
How to avoid worms or insects in blackberries?
Pick in peak season and examine each fruit. A brief soak in salt water may flush out any small intruders, but it dries the blackberries well afterward.
Any original recipe ideas with blackberries?
Try them in meat sauce, sweet and savory salad, fruity ice cubes for cocktails, or quick compote. Find lots of ideas on Recipes of the Week .
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