It’s blackberry season in Oregon!

It’s that time of year again! All around the beautiful coastal regions of Oregon, blackberries are ripening and just begging to be picked and put to good use! Berry picking is a fun activity for the whole family. You can even bring a chair to sit on if standing for long periods of time is difficult. 

Many times, you can gather enough berries to make a family-sized dessert in just 15 minutes or so. Just watch out for the thorns! 

Once you’ve gathered your berries, what can you do with them? Here are a few ideas for you to try:

Blackberry Fruit Roll-Ups

Remember how much fun fruit roll-ups (also called fruit leather) was when you were a kid? Use your blackberries to make a healthy version that has far less sugar than the version your mom put in your lunch box. This grown-up version even has a sophisticated hint of mint, and it doesn’t even require a dehydrator! Get the recipe here: https://paleogrubs.com/blackberry-fruit-roll-up-recipe

Blackberry Freezer Jam

Love the idea of making jam, but don’t want to deal with the hassle of cooking the berries down and figuring out how to can them without worrying about the potential of botulism? Freezer jam is the answer you’ve been looking for! Plus, because you don’t cook the berries down, the flavor is even better than any store-bought jam you’ve ever tried! Whip up a batch using this recipe: https://www.recipegirl.com/blackberry-freezer-jam/

Speaking of freezers, how about trying to make a favorite summer treat: popsicles! 

Blackberry Rose Ice Pops

Who can argue with homemade ice pops, especially on a warm summer day? This recipe features a unique twist: the addition of rosewater. If you can’t find any, just leave it out or substitute with a little lemon or lime juice. And if you don’t have popsicle molds, just use the small jam-size mason jars with the openings that are as large as the sides of the jar, wrap two rubber bands around it from top to bottom to hold the stick in place, and voila! Easy-peasy popsicles! Find the recipe here: https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/recipes/a3933/blackberry-rose-ice-pops-recipe-clv0712/

Slow Cooker Blackberry Ribs

Finally, if you are looking for something savory to do with your blackberries, try this Slow Cooker Blackberry Ribs recipe. A quick prep time paired with a really unique flavor profile make these ribs a summer classic. Plus, you don’t have to stand over a hot stove in the summer heat! Dust off your slow cooker and try the recipe here: https://www.carlsbadcravings.com/slow-cooker-barbecue-ribs-recipe/

Blackberry Fabric Dye

If you have ever spent time picking blackberries, you know how stained your fingers can get! To make dye, boil mashed berries in water for an hour or so, then strain the berries out of the dye. Dye will work best with natural fibers, which should be prepped before dying. To prep plant-based fibers (cotton, linen), soak the fabric in a mixture of water and salt (1/2 cup salt to 8 cups water). For protein-based fibers (wool, silk), use a vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water). Soak for at least an hour, rinse, then dye your fabric with your blackberry dye.

Let us know if you tried any of these recipes, or share some of your own in the comments below.