What is blackberry?

Blackberry is a sprawling shrub growing up to 3 meter in height. The stems and leaves bear thorns, although some thorn free cultivars exist. The dark green compound leaves consist of 3 or 5 leaflets. The flowers resemble small roses and are white or light pink coloured. During late summer and autumn the typical blackberries are formed, which purplish-black coloured.

Parts used

Blackberry leaves, bark and root can be used to make tea. The blackberries (fruits) are also eaten and used in fruit juice and jams.

Phytochemicals

These are typical phytochemicals found in blackberry: blackberry leaves contain tannins, gallotannins, dimeric ellagitannins and flavonoids. blackberries (fruits) are exceptionally rich in phytochemicals mainly, flavonoids, anthocyanins, cyanidin, ellagic acid.

Benefits of blackberry

Blackberry leaves are traditionally used for the treatment of burns and scald. Tea from blackberry (leaves, root and bark) is astringent and used against intestinal disorders such as diarrhoea and dysentery. Chewing of fresh blackberry leaves helps to heal bleeding gums and inflammation of the mouth and troat.

The anthocyanins in blackberries are responsible for the potential anti-carcinogenic properties. The chemopreventive effects of fresh blackberries is caused by their antioxidant properties. Flavonoids strengthen the blood vessels and capillaries.

Other facts

Blackberry is native to Europe (mainly Mediterranean region) and is cultivated in many countries with moderate climate. There exist various cultivars which produce larger berries. From the blackberry juice a very nice red wine can be produced.

Other names

Bramble, brymbyl, bumble-kite, brameberry, brambleberry.