When Are Blackberries in Season?

People usually take a little artistic license with the phrase “bursting with flavor,” but it’s nothing less than the total truth when applied to the humble yet delicious blackberry. Overflowing with rich, sweet-tart flavors and positively packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, they’re a juicy summer treat perfect for all sorts of snacks, desserts, and cocktails.

Blackberries are in season from late spring through the end of summer, with peak blackberry season in the US being July and August. That season is bookended by slight price increases – one in June at the start and a smaller one in October once it’s over – but you’ll find them available throughout the year.

Fetch is all about helping you make the most of each purchase, whether that’s turning blackberries into tasty jelly or using purchases to earn reward points at any grocery store. Simply download our shopping rewards app, snap photos of your receipts to collect points, and use those points to earn free gift cards.

Sounds good? Then let’s get started on some blackberry basics.

Where Do Blackberries Grow?

Blackberries are seemingly native all over the world: you’d find them in Asia, Europe, South America, and good old North America. They’re native to Florida here in the US, but most are currently grown in Michigan, Arkansas, and across the Pacific Northwest.

Do Blackberries Grow on Trees?

Technically, no. The blackberry plant is a small shrub rather than a tree. It grows in trailing vines that look like they’re covered in bark, which is why plenty of people talk about blackberry trees. Others just call them brambles. 

How Long Do Blackberries Last?

Not long when we’re around – they’re hard to resist – but they can keep a fair while when properly stored (we’ll go into that below). You can generally count on blackberries lasting 1 to 2 days at room temperature, 5 to 7 days when refrigerated, or up to 9 months in the freezer. We’ve also put together a few ideas below to turn blackberries into a long-lasting syrup, jelly, or wine.

How to Pick Blackberries at the Grocery Store

Not to discriminate, but there’s a world of difference between a blackberry in its prime and one that leaves a little to be desired. At least that gives you a chance to impress your friends and confound your enemies with an uncanny ability to pick out the cream of the crop.

Blackberries should:

• Range from deeply colored purple/black to blue/purple.
• Be plump and firm to the touch, with a glossy exterior.
• Be completely free of any signs of mold.
• Lack any wrinkles, bruises, or signs of being crushed.

How to Wash Blackberries

Washing your blackberries… kinda maybe sorta sounds like a euphemism. Well, get your head out of the gutter, because it’s actually mighty serious and important, even if your blackberries are store-bought rather than picked by hand.

You’ll need:

• Water
• Large bowl
• Sieve or colander
• Paper towels or cloth towel
• Vinegar (optional)

To wash blackberries:

• Fill the bowl with tepid water, then gently add your blackberries. If you’re going for a water-vinegar soak, add 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water.
• Gently swirl the berries to get out any dirt or debris. If you’ve picked them yourself, you may notice small bugs floating to the top and be very pleased you washed your berries.
• Drain in your sieve or colander, then dispose of the water and repeat the soaking process two or three times.
• Let the berries air-dry for a while, then spread paper towels onto a large tray and gently tip them on top to soak up remaining moisture.

How to Store Blackberries & Make Blackberries Last Longer

Like other fresh produce, blackberries are best consumed right away, but we understand that isn’t always possible.

No matter, you can store blackberries for:

• 1 to 2 days at room temperature. Place them in a cool spot away from direct sunlight, and make sure they aren’t near any strong-smelling foods.
• 5 to 7 days in the fridge. Use a sturdy airtight container that doesn’t leave much air around your berries, then store between 32°F (0°C) and 40°F (4°C).
• Up to 9 months in the freezer. Use freezer-safe plastic bags or rigid containers, then add a cup of sugar before freezing. Without sugar, they’ll last around 6 months.

Can Dogs Eat Blackberries?

Dogs aren’t too discerning when it comes to food, or even things that shouldn’t be food but end up in their mouths anyway. If they happen to gobble a few blackberries, that’s absolutely fine. Low in calories and sugar, they make a healthy canine treat. Just be sure to restrict your pooch to a few berries only every once in a while.

Can Cats Eat Blackberries?

Yes, they can. Will cats eat blackberries? Maybe not. Any cat owner tell how even a different brand of cat food can see them turn up their whiskers, so they may not go for blackberries. Still, it’s good news if they do. All those vitamins and antioxidants are great for cats and can help reduce the risk of UTIs. Just stick to 2 to 3 a day and be sure to cut them into small pieces before serving to his/her majesty.

Easy Blackberry Recipes

There’s nothing wrong with throwing a few blackberries into your yogurt for a delicious breakfast or simply sitting out on the porch popping one after another into your mouth on a hot summer evening. Nothing at all.

Still, you can always get a little fancier and flex your cooking skills for friends and family by using your blackberries for one of these recipes.

How to Make Blackberry Jelly

This simple spreadable can punch up at a PB+J, stir into oatmeal, be slathered on pancakes, and more. It’s also easy to make and should last months when properly stored.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups blackberries
• 4 cups water (enough to cover your berries)
• 4 ½ cups sugar
• 1 box (1 3/4 oz.) dry pectin
• ½ teaspoon butter (optional)

Recipe:

1. Make juice by lightly mashing your berries and cooking in water on the stovetop for around 20 mins over medium high heat.
2. Strain berries through a cheesecloth or wire mesh strainer, saving the juice but discarding the berries and seeds.
3. Place juice and pectin in a 6 to 8 quart sauce pot. If you’re using butter, add it now.
4. Bring to full rolling boil on high heat, stirring constantly.
5. Stir in the sugar, then return to a rolling boil for exactly one minute, stirring constantly.
6. Remove from the heat, then skim off any foam.
7. Ladle into prepared glass jars, leaving around ⅛ inch at the top.
8. Wipe jar rims and threads with a damp cloth, then cover with two-piece lids and screw on tightly.
9. Process in a hot water bath for 5 mins.

How to Make Blackberry Syrup

You can whip this one up in just 10 minutes using only a few ingredients, then use it to level up your favorite sodas, teas, cocktails, and more.

Ingredients:

• 6 oz. fresh or frozen blackberries
• ¾ cup of granulated sugar
• ¾ cup of water
• Fresh lemon juice (optional)

Recipe:

1. Clean and rinse your blackberries in salt water or vinegar, then rinse well with plain water.
2. Combine and simmer the sugar, water, and blackberries in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring regularly.
3. Once softened, gently mash the softened berries (the back of a spoon or a masher both work well), then simmer for 6 to 8 minutes until the berries have disintegrated and the syrup has become bright purple.
4. Remove from the heat and strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds and fruit bits.
5. If you’re using fresh lemon juice to enhance the blackberry flavor, stir in a squeeze now.
6. Let cool, then either use immediately or store for up to 2 weeks in the fridge in an airtight container.

How to Make Blackberry Wine

Anyone with a large crop of blackberries left to use should learn about blackberry wine. It’s an ideal way to use up what you have left, and you’ll never go back to store-bought after trying homemade. 

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs. fresh or frozen blackberries
• 2 ¼ lbs. sugar (about 4 ½ cups)
• ¼ teaspoon tannin powder
• 1 teaspoon acid blend 
• ½ teaspoon pectic enzyme
• ½ teaspoon yeast nutrient
• 1 packet wine yeast (sweet wine yeast is best)
• Water to fill

Recipe:

1. Sanitize all your equipment, then smash blackberries and sugar together in a primary fermentation container.
2. Boil 1 quart of water, then pour it over the blackberries and sugar and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Cool the mixture to around 70 degrees before adding the remaining ingredients, plus enough water to fill a 1-gallon fermenter.
4. Seal the fermenter with a blow off tube, cover with a towel, or simply leave it open for the first part of fermentation.
5. Stir daily for 5 to 7 days until the most vigorous fermentation is over.
6. Rack into a narrow neck glass carboy and seal with a water lock.
7. Allow to ferment for 3 months before racking again, then allow 8 to 12 months before bottling.
8. Age at least 6 months before enjoying. The wait will be worth it. 

Enjoy Blackberry Season and Earn Free Gift Cards With the Fetch Grocery App

Whether you’re going to pick up a single punnet of blackberries or get everything you need for blackberry wine, use the Fetch grocery app to put together your list and get the most points possible from your shop. Take a picture of your receipt for our shopping rewards app and you’ll be earning free gift cards to save on future groceries in no time.