Britain’s berry growers have been implementing advanced grower techniques, which has led to larger and sweeter blackberries compared to their hedgerow counterparts. The result of this is that blackberries will now be available from April until November, a 36-week season.
Senior agronomists have announced that this year’s blackberry season has produced a very high-quality crop that is sweeter and larger than their hedgerow counterparts. Sterling work by UK growers has ensured a strong harvest this year, with peak production currently underway.
Although the varieties found in bramble hedgerows are now appearing, they are smaller and do not have the same high flavour profile as expert-grown British blackberries. British berry growers now grow “new generation” varieties, which are more than twice the size of the standard hedgerow variety.
Expert pomologists carefully breed the berries that are available in shops and stores. Although there are around 300 wild sub-species which can be found in hedgerows, these vary significantly when it comes to their sweetness and bitterness. As a result, even in good years, the quality of hedgerow harvesting can be very inconsistent when compared to the high quality of shop-bought blackberries.
The special techniques used by growers, which include picking blackberries from plants that are just one year old to secure the most flavourful fruit and placing plants in cold stores to artificially extend their winter dormancy and prolong fruiting once they are placed in the cropping fields, means that UK shoppers will be able to enjoy all the health benefits well beyond the traditional hedgerow season.
Most people look for larger berries, and thanks to skilled growers, they will be able to enjoy large, juicy blackberries even when the weather turns cold. The growing techniques the growers use mean the commercial British blackberry season now runs for 36 weeks of the year.
The berry industry in Britain is big business, with the year-round retail sales of berries standing at an all-time high of £1.7 billion. The berry industry is estimated to contribute £3.18 billion to the British economy in the next five years.
Berries remain a staple for British shoppers—fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries) continue to be the most popular fruit item in shoppers’ baskets, with the largest market share (28%) of all fruit sold in the UK.
Nick Marston, chairman of British Berry Growers, the industry body that represents 95 per cent of berries supplied to UK supermarkets, said, “Shoppers this year will be able to enjoy sweet and juicy British blackberries well beyond hedgerow season thanks to the advanced techniques of our growers.
Whether eating them in their natural state or using them in a recipe, you can enjoy blackberries that are consistent in their excellent taste and appearance thanks to the hard work and innovation of British growers.
“Blackberries have numerous health benefits—they’re particularly high in vitamin C, fibre, and vitamin K. Blackberries are also high in manganese, which helps boost bone development and the absorption of nutrients. There’s also research that they may contribute to brain health.
“Eating fresh, natural food is the basis of our Nature’s Vitamin campaign, which highlights the importance of getting fresh berries into your diet due to their many health benefits.”
Blackberry health facts:
- It is a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese.
- Contain dietary fibre, which helps your digestive system function.
- It may help with brain function and help prevent memory loss.
- Help prevent bacteria that can cause oral disease.
- Low in calories, carbohydrates and fat.
Over 60 sweet and savoury blackberry recipes are available to try on the Love Fresh Berries website at www.lovefreshberries.co.uk/recipes.
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