Blackberry Technique (For the Perfect Berry)

This is a short step-by-step guide that can be referred to by readers of this blog. (Ha, like there’s actually a reader.) Anyways:

1. Use the techniques used to find a blackberry patch/get to a good spot from the first post blackberry picking.

2. Find a cluster.

3. Hold the cluster with one hand below it, relative to when it’s held up.

4. Test the color of a blackberry.

5. If the color is green or red go back to step 4.

6. If the color is black, preferably a black-purple color, proceed to step 7.

7. Pinch the blackberry. If red is discovered anywhere on the blackberry go back to step 4.

8. Pinch the blackberry at multiple points.

9. If the blackberry is juicy, juice comes out of it or it is soft, then proceed to step 10.

10. Slowly twist the blackberry while holding it as tight as it can be without breaking the berry, so that the berry can be picked.

11. Examine the berry. If the berry is broken then proceed to step 11 as normal.

12. If the berry shows any abnormalities such as mold, or a dry shriveled pod, throw the blackberry away (or use a compost cup to make sure it doesn’t grow to be a weed.

13. If all of the steps are successful, eat the berry…I mean put it in the bin.

The blackberry is allowed to be slightly red for cobblers or pies and whatnot, but is generally accepted as not good for eating. Also, if one "pod" is slightly shriveled it is still good to eat, but an acquired taste.

Yes, that is it. Now go, and pick blackberries!