Seasonal Eating in August from The Healing Garden: Blackberries

Blackberries are often underrated, if not hated, because of the way prickly brambles find their way to blocking passage. But they are very important for wildlife, as hiding places and nourishment.

The leaves are high in protein, and the berries too – they contain 10% of their calories as protein, which is enough to keep humans in a positive protein balance. They are also a very good source of vitamins A, E, C, K, and folate, and they have a high content of antioxidants, especially anthocyanins (anti-ageing/cognitive function), and they also contain tannins (toning tissues), salicylic acid (anti-inflammatory), ellagic acid (cancer/cognitive function), pectin (probiotic), and rutin (strength and flexibility of blood vessels). The seeds are high in omega-3 oils (healthy heart, eyes and brain) which are released when they are chewed.

Blackberries are strong immune boosters, and they also rank among the best antioxidant foods, effective in inhibiting colon cancer cells and protecting blood vessels against oxidative damage from free radicals.

The anthocyanin, together with the salicylic acid, has an anti-inflammatory effect which is useful in many different diseases, including cancer, arthritis, diabetes and dementia.

Ellagic acid may help destroy cancer cells and in reducing the adverse effect of oestrogen in developing breast cancer cells.

The mixture of soluble and insoluble fibres help maintain a healthy digestive system and also lower cholesterol.

Blackberries can be useful in treating simple diarrhoea, but eating too many can have the opposite effect!

BLACKBERRY VINEGAR

3 parts unpasteurised vinegar

1 part sugar or syrup

Blackberries

Dissolve the sugar in the vinegar.

Place the blackberries and in a jar and cover them with the vinegar.

Leave to macerate for 3-4 weeks, then strain.

Take 1-2 tsp a day during the winter months, or use as a dressing for salads or veggies.

Ps It used to be said that blackberries should not be picked after Michaelmas Day (11th October) as this was when the devil claimed them. The warning may have more to do with the fact that the cooler, wetter weather provides good conditions for the berries to become infected by moulds, making them toxic, as well as unpleasant looking

Kisten Hartvig – Founder of The Healing Garden

The purpose of the Healing Garden is to unite botany and herbal medicine with biodynamics, and to create a peaceful inspirational forum for learning, healing and conservation, promoting health and wellbeing for all living beings. Discover The Healing Garden here