Description

Blackberry is a prickly fruit-bearing bush of the genus Rubus of the rose family (Rosaceae) that is known for its dark edible fruits. Each individual blackberry, when ripe, is made up of 20-50 single seeds known as drupelets that are small, juice-filled and a deep purplish black. Blackberries have a fragile and smooth skin with a greenish core which lengthens nearly to the base of the berry. Immature blackberries are generally red or green and hard to touch and they later turn into black, soft, juicy, and glossy fruits on ripening. It is chiefly native to north temperate regions but are particularly abundant in eastern North America and on the Pacific coast of that continent and is cultivated in many areas of North America and Europe.

Health benefits

• Blackberries are flooded with antioxidants like phenolic acids, flavonoids, and flavonols, particularly anthocyanosides that act against the harmful oxygen-free molecules and counteract their action. This protects the body from a range of diseases caused as a consequence of oxidative damage. ⁽¹⁾ 
• Due to the presence of Anthocyanins and micronutrients like fat and water-soluble vitamins, blackberries exert a chemo-preventive effect and prevent the proliferation of malignant cells. It also inhibits carcinogenesis and associated cell signaling. ⁽¹⁾ 
• It is a source of both insoluble and soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber easy and better absorption of water in the large intestine and adds bulk to the stools which aid in regular bowel movements and prevents constipation. ⁽¹⁾ 
• Magnesium, in blackberries, also helps in regulating the blood pressure and prevents cardiac arrhythmia and irregular contraction. ⁽¹⁾ 
• Blackberries contain a high level of vitamin C which plays an important role in protein synthesis and is necessary for the body to produce collagen and certain neurotransmitters. Vitamin C also has antioxidant properties and is involved in immune system functioning. ⁽²⁾
• It also has excellent stores of vitamin K. This is a necessary nutrient for blood clotting, which is essential for proper wound healing. ⁽²⁾

Selection Guide

Select the berries that are bright and firm as it indicates freshness. Check for mold growth or worm infestation before buying. While buying processed and packaged berries check for “use-by” date.