Sunday, July 5, 2015

The amazing black raspberry


Nowhere in nature is there a flavor that can compare with the  black raspberry. I was not even aware they existed until I bought this property in Southeast Ohio, and found them growing wild here. The season is 1st week in June to 1st week in July.


You have to get deep into the thickets, and the thorns cut you up pretty bad. Plus all the bug bites, poison ivy and related nasties. The multiflora is deadly, a horribly invasive non-native bush. Seems like it's thorns have thorns! But all this is totally worth it.


This bucket full is about 12 cups. But it is only half the "yard" (places that I pick). So doing the back half nets another full bucket. This vein of berry plants runs parallel to the road. I used to go walking up the road and pick too, but it is too much for me now, so I just stay on my own property. And believe me it is plenty!


This year may be the best ever. They are huge! And perfect, and so prolific. I freeze them in 4 cup batches because seems like all the things I make from them require 4 cups of berries.


I take 4 cups of berries, a little water, a cup of sugar and cook it. From here so many wonderful things can be made, all with this mind blowing flavor.


Like ice cream and popsicles.


Ice cream cones.


And pie with home made whipped cream. This is just incredible!


Here is a wonderful slushy drink I made up. I made 2 ice cube trays of berry juice, put the cubes in the blender. Then the 4 cups cooked and strained berry juice, the juice of a lemon, a little milk, and my secret ingredient: sweetened condensed milk. (is it just me or does anyone else want to eat this stuff right out of the can haha) I put  1/3 to 1/2 the can in. Then blend. Amazing!



These berries make the most fantastic wine! No water or yeast, I just smash the berries in a bucket and let it sit lightly covered for a week, Strain and add sugar, the amount depending on how much juice you get. Put it under airlock and when the bubbling stops, bottle it. Making it this way it is thick like a liqueur. So good! Just berries and sunshine :) I also used to make it with water and yeast the conventional way and that is very good also. That way it is definitely a wine.

Tomorrow if I'm not rained out, I will go for  the last pick of the 2015 season......always kinda sad....But- I have so much in the freezer!











12 comments:

  1. I have never had the pleasure of tasting a black raspberry. Red raspberries have always been my favorite for anything like jam, drinks and so on. I will have to take your word for it that they are far better then the red ones. Until that is...You bring a few with you on your next visit.

    Your culinary skills sure have come a loooooog way. I am so glad you are enjoying cooking now. ;-)

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    2. typo...
      Thank you Catherine, you know I owe it all to you! Of course I'm bringing you some :)

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  2. Isn't it lovely to be able to make food and know where the ingredients come from? I have miniature stock fruit trees in my garden and the cherries, plums and pears (when I get there before the birds) always taste so much better than store bought. You're making me droool with your pie and homemade cream. Yum, it all looks amazing =0)

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    1. ooo your trees sound wonderful! And don't forget you can also mill down some wood from them :)

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  3. Hello Linda,
    That looks delicious! I have now added tasting black raspberries on my to do list. the ice cream looks amazing! I hope you were able to go for the last pick. Enjoy!
    Now I'm hungry!
    Big hug,
    Giac

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    1. Hi Giac, I had a storm chase me inside but when it let up to gentle rain, I went back out. It's nice to pick in the rain, for one thing, no bugs! I got 6 more cups. Never on the last day have I gotten so many and such nice ones.

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  4. Hmmm...so many good things from one ingredient, it's always fun to pick your own fruit Linda i have a weakness for home baked cakes and pies and your pie crust looks mouth watering!!

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    1. Thank you Tony, next I'm going to do a top crust too :)

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  5. la verdad es que eres muy afortunada, esas bayas estan buenisimas , yo las recogia cuando era niña en un campo cerca de mi casa , pero ese campo ya no existe y hace mucho que no puedo disfrutar de ese manjar

    besitos

    Mari

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    1. Mari lo siento mucho ese campo se ha ido. Estas bayas son insuperables !

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  6. My mouth is watering thinking of your raspberries, I also have never heard of a black variety. They grow profusely in my home state of Tasmania but not in New South Wales. Good to see you turning them to good use in so many ways. Yum.

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