I have gone wild blackberry picking every summer since I was about 4 years old. If they are out there—and where I live in Maryland they always are—I will get them!
I’ve gone berrying along picturesque farmland fences and woodland lanes, as well at the edges of not so charming suburban parking lots and busy roads. Once when I lived in Germany and the only blackberries to be had grew on a treacherously steep and slippery bank of the Main river, I tethered myself to a rope and had my son lower me and my bucket down to tantalizing berry-laden canes near the water below. (I got a little muddy and scratched, and the neighbors talked about that crazy American woman, but my haul was worth it.)
This year I’ve already been out surveying the stands of canes along the walking paths behind my house. Due to frequent spring showers, the signs are promising. Notice that in the right pic above some of the blooms have already dropped and little nubs of berries have formed. In a few more weeks I’ll be out there harvesting—fortunately no tethering will be required! Just to put myself in the right mood, I may buy some blackberries and make a sundae sauce. The pic shows a blackberry sundae; click here for blackberry-sauce.
Or, for a glorious blackberry sorbet, click here.
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