Undeservedly relegated to the background, the blackberry from the “poor relative” of fragrant raspberries is turning into its dangerous rival. High yields, excellent taste, wonderful healing properties of blackberries lead an increasing number of people to the number of its admirers. At first, the wonderful berry was adequately appreciated in the USA, now it is the turn of European countries. Often, where new plantings of blackberries are laid, raspberry plantations are reduced.
If we translate the name of the blackberry blackberry from English, it turns out that it is called blueberry, or, literally, “black berry” (but our blueberry they have – “blueberry”, or blueberry). Therefore, the British have for a long time a humorous assertion-reminder that “blueberries are red when green.” This wonderful berry is the closest relative of raspberries, which has the same generic Latin name rubus. Here are just smaller sweets in blackberries, and the drupe in it will be larger and harder.
Blackberries and landscaping
The benefits of blackberries for the garden are obvious. Having decided to erect a hedge and choose an azhina for this purpose, the gardener will “kill two birds with one stone”: he will provide good protection to the site thanks to the thorny stalks of the bush and will receive a green “wall” decorated with flowers and fruits. Depending on the variety, blackberry flowers can be either white or pink, and the fruits are green, red and gray-black. The yield of cultivated varieties is very high, it bears fruit for a long period.
It is not worth letting the formation of the hedge take its course, since the blackberry plantings strive to take up more space, scattering long thorny whip-shoots. It is best to make supports and, directing and fixing bush branches on them, form a narrow obstacle strip. This technique will also simplify the collection of juicy berries. If the idea with a hedge is not suitable, a gazebo, pergola can become a support for the blackberry. In this case, it is better to choose a variety that simplifies caring for it, on the branches of which there are no thorns and thorns.
Not all owners of adjoining and garden plots will sing a song of praise to a wonderful shrub. Creeping lashes of wild-growing dewberry, as this variety of blackberries is called, in contrast to those with erect shoots, cause a lot of trouble. They have extremely firm roots, very strong branches and fill the space with tightly intertwined thorny cords, yielding negligible fruit.
About the usefulness of blackberries in the household
Traditional preparations for the winter, the recipes of which are passed from generation to generation, are complemented by the housewives with modern conservation techniques. Among the leaders in conservation is the rolling of compotes. Experts assure that in winter no other compote can be compared with the aroma and taste of blackberry compote. Cooking blackberry preserves, jams and jellies is common. The second and third options are considered the most preferable, since the large and hard drupe remaining in the jam causes considerable inconvenience.
Fans of fruit and herbal tea collections have mastered the drying of flowers, berries and leaves. The taste of such a brew is very pleasant, the range of effects is extremely wide, and the preservation of the vitamins contained in the initial raw material is high. Quick freezing of berries in modern refrigerators is a great way to extend the shelf life of a “live” berry, since blackberries are stored very little, two to three days. Then it ferments, which can be recognized by the characteristic wine smell. Such a berry, of course, cannot be eaten.
In addition to the above blanks for future use, pies are made with blackberries, jelly is dyed with its juice, added to wines, tinctures, and used in the production of sweets. Fresh blackberries by themselves and in conjunction with other berries are a wonderful dessert. Blooming blackberry thickets – expanse for bees during the period of honey collection, a source of bribe for fragrant honey.
The fruit of a blackberry – the white core of a fruit of juicy drupes – is always torn off together with the berry. This is its main difference from raspberries, the fruitiness of which, when picking ripe berries, remains on the bush.
It is widely believed that blackberries are one of the few berries that can be eaten in any quantity without harm to health. Along with this belief, there is something else: stomach diseases caused by high acidity are a reason for the extremely careful use of a wonderful, but overly acidic berry. In addition, there are extremely rare cases of allergic reactions to trace elements and vitamins contained in “black raspberries”. The conclusion is unambiguous: everything is good in moderation.
About the healing properties of blackberries
The berry contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. Therefore, a glass of blackberries contains approximately 8 grams of fiber, which is needed to support healthy digestion and bowel function. The same amount of berries will be replenished: – half of the daily intake of vitamin C, which is responsible for the correct absorption of iron and reduces the risk of developing anemia, increasing immunity; – almost half the daily value of manganese, which helps the formation of connective tissues, ensures the strengthening and growth of bones.
Blackberry is a berry that is very useful for pregnant women, since it contains vitamin B9, or folic acid, which ensures the full development of the fetus, preventing developmental abnormalities and birth defects. The berry has a high content of vitamin E – an immunomodulator and antioxidant, which is important for the development of the nervous system of children. In terms of the amount of vitamin PP, or niacin, blackberries are also the leader among plant sources.
Vitamin PP is an antipellagric agent, the lack of which in the body leads to a serious illness, a type of vitamin deficiency. Sometimes referred to as “Three D Disease”: dementia, dermatitis, diarrhea
Blackberry leaves also contain vitamin C. All parts of the plant are rich in natural aspirin, which is why the infusion of blackberry twigs, leaves, dried fruits and flowers is useful for colds and inflammations. Rinsing, rubbing, compresses with juice of fruits and leaves are useful. Taking various blackberry preparations improves the condition of atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, cystitis, certain types of dermatitis, salt deposits, menopause and many other health problems.
Having believed in the versatility of the blackberry effect, you should not go to extremes: only a nutritionist will help you develop the correct and appropriate approach for a particular case. Each organism is individual and unique; for each ailment or illness, a single suitable recipe is needed. Even if a certain technique helped a beloved and respected friend or someone’s mother or daughter, in your case it may not work.
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