13 Ways to Use Up and Preserve Fresh Blackberries

Blackberries, in my opinion, have one of the shortest growing seasons of all times.  So, if you want to experience them anytime other than when they are in season, you have to preserve them–or be willing to shell out exorbitant amounts of cash-ola.  If you have the good fortune to buy them by the flat {or even better:  grow them yourself}, here’s a couple of ideas on how to enjoy a little now, and make sure you have some for later.  It’s all very ant and grasshopper.

Preserving

1. Freeze them.  This is my favorite way to put up blackberries.  Probably because it’s fairly quick, and the most versatile, as far as using them in the dead of winter.  Freezing them is pretty simple.  Just rinse them, lay them out flat to dry completely, and then transfer them to a Silpat {or parchment paper} lined cookie tray.  Place them on the tray in a single layer and freeze them until firm.  This step keeps the berries from sticking together during long term storage.  Once they are frozen on the tray, transfer the berries to a freezer safe bag or container.
2. Make jam.  There is a reason you can never find blackberry in the jam selection at restaurants–it’s waaaay more expensive than the grape jelly that seems to be available in over-abundance.  So, make your own.  It tastes awesome on pancakes or toast.
3. Dehydrate them.  I don’t do this one that often, but every once in awhile, I’ll make a quick batch to throw into homemade granola.  To dehydrate them, wash ’em and lay them out to dry a bit.  Then, place them in your dehydrator in a single layer.  Here’s where it gets tricky–the amount of time it takes varies every time I make them.  I think it has to do with the humidity, moisture content of the berries, and maybe even the position of the moon–who knows?  Either way, you have to check them until you are satisfied with their progress.  It’s worth it, though.

Ways to Enjoy Them Fresh

1. In a bowl.  Okay, I don’t mean to state the obvious, but sometimes simple is where it’s at.  A heaping bowl of blackberries is an indulgence all by itself.
2. Toss them into yogurt parfaits.  Layer some yogurt, blackberries, and maybe a little granola.  Repeat.  Now you have yourself a breakfast or snack of champions.
3. Toss them in your oatmeal, or if you want something new, try Blackberry and Toasted Pecan Quinoa.  It’ll make you a quinoa believer.
4. Add them to smoothies.  Fair warning, check your teeth for seeds before you leave the house.  Just sayin’.
5. Add them to muffins.  My kids love this Blackberry Muffin with Oatmeal Crumb Topping recipe.
6. If muffins aren’t your bag, try making Blackberry Ricotta Scones.  Don’t be turned off by the ricotta–you’re going to like it a whole lotta.  {I had to type it, my hands were tied.}

Desserts

1. Make Cobbler.  Berry cobblers are a reason to get up in the morning.  Oh, and the kids and the hubby.  But, berry cobblers don’t ask anything from you in return.  It’s a very selfish relationship.
2. Try making a coffee cake {because if you put the word coffee in it, you can technically eat them for breakfast}.  We like Blackberry Apple Cake.  The apples provide a touch more sweetness to the tart blackberries.
3. One word:  pie.  Pie should be its own food group.  My favorite is  to bake it in an iron skillet.  It gets the crust all brown and flaky.  I should go make some right now.
4. If you are looking to go a little healthier, but still want to satisfy a sweet tooth, try making Blackberry Whole Grain Crumble Bars.  They have blackberries, they have whole grains, so you can pretty much overlook the sugar, right?

What’s your favorite blackberry recipe?

~Mavis