All About Blackberries: 16 Fascinating Facts About the Fruit

The blackberry is a dark, edible fruit that appears on prickly bushes (brambles) of the genus Rubus, a member of the rose family. Blackberries are native to northeastern North America as well as areas of the US Pacific coast and parts of England. They are a popular ingredient in desserts including cakes and pies, make delicious jellies and jams, are often found in breakfast pastries, and are one of the more popular natural soda flavors here at Rocky Mountain Soda.

In addition to being versatile and delicious blackberries are also good for your health as they contain high levels of antioxidants along with vitamin C and iron. But if you thought that was all there is to know about blackberries, think again. Below we’re going to take a deep dive into the blackberry bramble to discover two-dozen interesting and often little-known facts about this often underappreciated fruit.

16 Little Known Facts About Blackberries

Blackberry Fact #1

Bramble is a Middle English word that first appeared in print in the 12^th century. It can be applied to any impenetrable thicket, but it is most commonly used in reference to blackberry bushes.

Blackberry is not a word that has found universal application. In parts of the western US, people do not use the words "blackberries" or "blackberry brambles." Instead, they use the term "caneberry" which covers both the fruit and the bush.

Blackberry Fact #2

Blackberry Fact #3

The growing season for blackberries is typically June through September. The exact start and end of the growing season will vary depending on the geographical region.

Blackberry Fact #4

Part of Christian doctrine suggests the crown of thorns placed on Jesus’ head prior to the crucifixion was fashioned from a blackberry bramble. Some Christians also believe blackberry juice represents the blood of Christ.

Blackberry Fact #5

Blackberries go bad relatively quickly after being picked. In most cases, they will only last two or three days once they are harvested. If you want to keep them longer you will need to freeze them. Even so, once you thaw them out you'll have to use them quickly.

Blackberry Fact #6

The blackberry is closely related to the raspberry with one notable difference - when you pick blackberries the stem breaks off at the branch and stays with the fruit. When you harvest raspberries the stem stays with the branch.

Blackberry Fact #7

Free radicals are imbalanced cells that cause extensive damage to otherwise healthy cells, leading to all manner of ill health. The only weapon against free radicals is antioxidants. Blackberries are rich in antioxidants.

Blackberry Fact #8

Blackberries are also high in fiber. In fact, a 100-gram serving typically contains as much as 15% of the recommended daily allowance of fiber.

Blackberry Fact #9

Blackberries are also a great source of vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin C, and B vitamins. They also contain folic acid, niacin, riboflavin, and copper (necessary for bone health).

Blackberry Fact #10

The dark coloring of blackberries is more than just aesthetically pleasing. It also indicates that this particular fruit is high in antioxidants. That's a great thing especially if you want healthier-looking skin.

"There’s an argument to be made for calling blackberries a superfood. They’re high in beneficial vitamins and minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. They’re low in calories, carbs, and fat. Blackberries are also versatile and easy to add to your diet."
—Kim Chin, Registered Dietition at Healthline

Blackberry Fact #11

Practitioners of traditional medicine have used blackberries for centuries to facilitate childbirth and reduce the pain of labor. Turns out blackberries are high in vitamin K which has the ability to act as a muscle relaxant.

Blackberry Fact #12

Research indicates that evergreen blackberries (rubus laciniatus) have antibacterial and antiviral properties, with some researchers believing they may also have anti-cancer capabilities, though more study is needed to confirm that.

Blackberry Fact #13

In 1835, workers performing excavation work in Jutland, Denmark unearthed the body of a woman that had been preserved in the Peet since approximately 500 BC. Careful examination of her body, clothes and revealed she carried blackberries with her as food.

Blackberry Fact #14

Deer both in Europe and North America are fond of eating blackberry leaves as food. Many types of caterpillars have also developed a taste for blackberry leaves.

Blackberry Fact #15

There’s an old saying: "blackberries are red when they’re green". This refers to the fact that blackberry fruit is bright red before it ripens. Once ripe it takes on its characteristic dark color.

Blackberry Fact #16

As we noted, the term "caneberry" is used in parts of the Pacific Northwest. But that's not the only variation on the blackberry name you'll find in the US. In parts of the northeast people refer to them as "black-caps" or "blackcaps".

Eight Blackberry Cocktail Recipes To Try At Home

While our Blackberry soda is delectable on its own, its also a delectable component to a variety of blended beverage recipes. If you're looking for the perfect mocktail to serve at your next gathering, we'd recommend trying any of the following recipes.

Blackberry Fizz (Non-Alcoholic)

A light and refreshing drink featuring fruity and tangy notes from blackberry and lemon.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 4 oz Blackberry Soda
• Ice
• Lemon slice and fresh mint for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine lemon juice and simple syrup with ice. Shake well.
2. Strain into a glass filled with ice and top with Breckenridge Blackberry Soda.
3. Garnish with a lemon slice and a sprig of mint.

Blackberry Mule (Non-Alcoholic)

A zesty mocktail that pairs ginger beer with blackberry soda for a spicy-sweet kick.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 3 oz Breckenridge Blackberry Soda
• 2 oz ginger beer
• Ice
• Lime wedge and mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a copper mug with ice and add lime juice.
2. Top with Breckenridge Blackberry Soda and ginger beer. Stir gently.
3. Garnish with a lime wedge and a mint sprig.

Blackberry Spritz (Non-Alcoholic)

This bubbly and floral mocktail features blackberry syrup and blackberry soda.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz blackberry syrup
• 3 oz Breckenridge Blackberry Soda
• Sparkling water (optional)
• Ice
• Edible flowers for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a glass filled with ice, pour blackberry syrup.
2. Top with Breckenridge Blackberry Soda and add a splash of sparkling water for extra fizz.
3. Stir gently and garnish with edible flowers.

Blackberry Lime Refresher (Non-Alcoholic)

A sweet and tart drink, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz orange juice
• 2 oz Breckenridge Blackberry Soda
• Ice
• Lime wheel for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rim the glass with lime and salt if desired. Fill with ice.
2. In a shaker, combine lime juice and orange juice with ice. Shake well.
3. Strain into the prepared glass and top with Breckenridge Blackberry Soda.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Blackberry Mojito (Non-Alcoholic)

A fruity mocktail with fresh mint and blackberry soda.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 8-10 fresh mint leaves
• 3 oz Breckenridge Blackberry Soda
• Ice
• Lime wheel and mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup in a glass.
2. Fill the glass with ice and top with Breckenridge Blackberry Soda. Stir well.
3. Garnish with a lime wheel and a mint sprig.

Blackberry Lemon Cooler (Non-Alcoholic)

A refreshing blackberry-lemon combination perfect for any time of the day.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 4 oz Breckenridge Blackberry Soda
• Ice
• Lemon wheel and cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine lemon juice and simple syrup with ice. Shake well.
2. Strain into a glass filled with ice and top with Breckenridge Blackberry Soda.
3. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a cherry.

Blackberry Berry Punch (Non-Alcoholic Sangria)

A delightful berry punch featuring fresh fruits and blackberry soda.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mixed berry juice (or grape juice)
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 lime, sliced
• 1 cup mixed berries
• 6 oz Breckenridge Blackberry Soda
• Ice

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher, combine juices, sugar, and fruits. Stir well.
2. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
3. To serve, fill glasses with ice, pour in the berry punch, and top with Breckenridge Blackberry Soda.

Blackberry Lemonade Mocktini

A sophisticated and elegant blackberry lemonade mocktail.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 oz blackberry syrup
• 1 oz Breckenridge Blackberry Soda
• Ice
• Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine lemon juice and blackberry syrup with ice. Shake well.
2. Strain into a chilled glass and top with a splash of Breckenridge Blackberry Soda.
3. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Order Breckenridge Blackberry Soda to try your hand at these delicious non-alcoholic cocktails - perfect for any occasion!

Try Our Rocky Mountain Breckenridge Blackberry Natural Soda

If you love delicious, refreshing natural soda that also happens to be vegan, kosher, gluten-free, and free of GMOs, try our Rocky Mountain Breckenridge Blackberry Soda. One sip and you’ll be sold.