2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Blackberries are one of our favorite berries. More than 250 species of blackberries (Rubus) are known, distributed in Europe, North America and Central Asia. There are between 45-50 species in Bulgaria.
Blackberry bushes grow mainly in the more temperate climates of the planet, in forests and fields. Blackberries are highly adaptable plants that very often climb rocks, fences and other obstacles during their growth. They grow in Europe, Asia, North and South America, and are also found in Australia.
It is important not to confuse blackberries with mulberries. These two fruits are very similar, but mulberries grow on trees, while blackberries are fruits that grow in a bush.
There is a belief that if a person finds himself under a vault of blackberry bushes on certain days and hours, he will be miraculously healed of disease and enchantment. From ancient times the lush blackberry bushes were called "titanium blood". The name comes from an ancient legend that has survived to this day. During the battle that Zeus fought with the Titans, blackberry bushes emerged from their dripping blood.
Cultivated blackberries are the fruits of the blackberry bush (Rubus Fruticosus, Rosaceae), which is a very close relative of strawberries and raspberries. About 100 varieties have been selected in Bulgaria.
Composition of blackberries
The delicious fruits of blackberries contain 4-8% sugars, 0.8 - 1.4% organic acids, vitamin C, carotene and others. They are sodium and cholesterol free, very low in fat. In addition, with an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C and folic acid. The good reputation of blackberries as a remedy is mainly due to the high content of potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper and sodium salts. Vitamins B1 and B2 are also contained in minimal amounts.
The large amount of vitamin C in blackberries is preserved almost unchanged during storage of fruits, juices and syrups. The high content of potassium improves the extraction of excess water from the tissues. Magnesium has an antisclerotic effect, and in terms of magnesium content in blackberries, they are second only to rose hips.
100 g blackberries contain 43 kcal, which makes them suitable for diets for weight loss. Fiber - 5.3 g - is completely dietary and aids digestion.
Selection and storage of blackberries
The nice ones blackberries are richly oily in color, without damaged areas and wilted appearance. When you are on the market, choose blackberries with a rounded shape, bright color and fresh look. Overripe blackberries are soft and often with mold on the surface. Usually blackberries that are not separated from the stalks are in most cases not ripe.
It is best to store blackberries in a single layer in the refrigerator, preferably in a glass container. Their durability is minimal - up to 2 days. Be sure to wash them immediately before consumption. The good news is that blackberries can be frozen in the freezer without harming them after thawing, unlike strawberries and raspberries.
Culinary application of blackberries
Berry cakes are something that very few of us could resist. With raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and, of course, blackberries, you get very tasty and juicy cakes, decorations and filling for cakes, as well as creams, mousses.
To avoid small seeds, it is good to rub the blackberries through a strainer or mash them and then strain the juice. Extremely tasty and useful syrups, juices, nectars, compotes, jams and jams and even wine can be prepared from blackberries. Dried blackberries can put your breakfast of muesli and fruit teas.
Benefits of blackberries
Even the ancient Greeks knew well the healing power of blackberries. They used blackberry leaves to strengthen their gums. In Arab countries, the leaves are believed to act as a means of sexual arousal. The Romans used them against diarrhea.
Blackberries are used to maintain the alkaline-acid balance of the body in conditions with acidosis - diabetes, bronchial asthma, rickets. Due to the high content of tannins, blackberries are useful in the treatment of diarrhea.
According to recent studies, blackberries help prevent colon cancer. The dried version of the fruit can reduce the number of tumors in animals prone to the disease by 60%. In addition, blackberries have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. They suppress the growth of tumors by blocking protein (beta-catenin).
Scientists have also found a 50% reduction in the incidence of colitis, an inflammation of the colon that can contribute to cancer. Experts recommend blackberries for heart and biliary-liver diseases. In addition, the fruit increases the body's resistance to colds, and the seeds stimulate digestion. When blackberries are consumed in the form of juice, it has a calming effect on the heart.
Not only the fruits but also the leaves of the blackberry bush can be beneficial to human health. Blackberry leaves have highly bactericidal properties and also help with menstrual disorders. Blackberry roots are used in the treatment of varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
Harm from blackberries
There are people who are allergic to raspberries and strawberries and respectively blackberries. Even those who suffer from allergies to other types of berries should be careful with the consumption of blackberries. It is important to know that blackberries tend to capture toxic elements from polluted air. That is why it is very important to wash blackberries well and even to soak them.
Beautification with blackberries
Blackberries are very often used in cosmetics. It is a great way to refresh the skin and remove dead cells. If you want to refresh and at the same time tone your skin, mash 2 tbsp. blackberries and add 2 tbsp. cream. Put the mask on your face and leave it on for about 15 minutes. Remove the mask with a swab soaked in green tea, then wash with lukewarm water.
If you want to give your skin a nice shade, grind a handful of blackberry leaves and scald it with warm water. Put the scalded leaves in gauze and place on face for 20 minutes. You do not need to wash afterwards.
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