Nothing says summer in the Berkshires like picking fresh black raspberries! For me, berry picking brings connotations of simpler times. As a child, my grandparents would take me berry picking. We would pick fresh black raspberries together, and afterwards, my grandmother would use the berries to make homemade pies and jam.
Black Raspberry Facts
Black raspberries, which are also known as blackcaps or thimbleberries are a unique variation of the more common red raspberry. Black raspberries and blackberries are frequently mistaken for one another because they look similar in appearance, especially when they are still on the vine. It’s much easier to distinguish black raspberries from blackberries after they are harvested because black raspberries have a hollow core. Black raspberries have a flavor that is distinct from red raspberries and blackberries. Most people find black raspberries to be slightly sweeter and less tart. In addition to being delicious, black raspberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Black raspberries are high in antioxidants, and recent research indicates that black raspberries may help prevent cellular damage that has the potential to lead to cancer.
Finding and picking black raspberries
Black raspberries can be found in the Berkshires throughout the month of July. In nature, black raspberries tend to grow near forest edges, and stream sides, but are also found in “disturbed” locations such as along power lines, railroad tracks, construction and logging sites, and along hiking trails. Black raspberries are extremely safe to pick because there does not exist any poisonous berry that even comes close to resembling a black raspberry. The most dangerous aspect of picking black raspberries is the competition that you will face from animals including bears! Always go berry picking with a companion and be sure to make lots of noise. Once you’ve located a patch of black raspberries, it’s time to start picking! You can tell that blackberries are ripe by gently tugging on the berry. A ripe black raspberry will slide off of the vine with ease.
I am lucky because black raspberries grow within walking distance of my house. I therefore don’t spend a lot of time searching for black raspberry patches. I will tell you however that I have come across a substantial amount of black raspberries along Lenox – Whitney Place Road while hiking in October Mountain State Forest. The black raspberries grow along the road and near the edge of the forest. The circle that I’ve placed on the aerial image indicates where I’ve found Black raspberries up on October Mountain.
We hope that you find plenty of black raspberries this season! Please share your experiences picking black raspberries, and even better; your black raspberry recipes, in the comments section below.