Page 144 - The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods

Blackberry, Rubus spp. (ROSACEAE)

BLACKBERRY is a perennial shrub with arching bien-
nial canes. Highly variable in form, its stalks can range
in color from green to burgundy. Stems of some taxa are
covered in sharp prickles, which curve backward. Plant
thrives in many habitats, from woods and hillsides to
ditches and vacant lots. Upright shrubs typically reach
a height of 6.5 ft. (2 m).
FLOWER AND FRUIT: In May-August, pink or white
blossoms emerge in clusters. Each flower is 0.8-1.2 inch-
es (2-3cm) across. The fruit is an aggregated berry, com-
posed of 20-50 tiny drupes. Each berry can be 0.8-1.5 Matt Lavin, CC-BY-SA-2.0
inches (2-4cm) long, with a round or cylindrical shape.
cobblers. Should be harvested only when mature.
As they mature, the berries change from crimson to inky
Prime blackberry season is between July and August
black.
in more southern latitudes, and between August and
LEAF: Leaves are alternate and may be simple, lobed,
the first frost in northern regions.
pinnate, or palmate. They are typically dark green with
BLACKBERRY CAMPFIRE COBBLER: Before leaving
pale undersides and serrated edges. In some species, the
home prepare a dry cobbler mix by combining 1 cup
underside of foliage is coated in fine hairs.
flour, ½ cup sugar, 1 tbsp. cinnamon, and a pinch of
EDIBLE PARTS: fruit
salt. At your campfire, melt a stick of butter in a skil-
KEY MEDICINAL USES: It has astringent and diuretic let and stir in cobbler mix. Add blackberries, before
properties. covering with tin foil. Set your skillet over the fire and
HOW TO HARVEST AND EAT: Blackberries are deli- cook slowly for 45 min.
cious raw. They are also great in preserves, pie, and

Blueberry (Bog/Alpine),
Vaccinium uliginosum (ERICACEAE)

BOG or ALPINE BLUEBERRY is a low-growing decid-
uous shrub. Its stems may be upright, reaching 2 ft.
(0.6m) in height, or else prostrated, spreading in car-
pets. Bog blueberries prefer acidic, peaty soils. They
are commonly found around bogs, swamps, and open
tundra, and also grow on mountain slopes and in forest
understory.
FLOWER AND FRUIT: Small urn-shaped flowers may be
white, dark pink, or bronze-colored. Each flower is 0.2
inches (0.5cm) long with 4 or 5 lobes. Fruits are 0.2-0.4 Joan Simon, CC-BY-SA-2.0
inches (0.5-1cm) wide. They are round and slightly flat-
cancer-preventative potential.
tened with prominent calyxes. Their dusky blue skin is
HOW TO HARVEST AND EAT: Picking season is from
covered with a subtle waxy coating.
mid-July to late September. The higher the elevation,
LEAF: Leaves are less than 0.8 inches (2cm) long and
the sweeter berries tend to be. You can eat them raw,
have a leathery texture. They are dark green with a pale
or use them as a garnish for salmon.
underside and smooth edges. In autumn, foliage turns
BALSAMIC BLUEBERRY GLAZE: In a small pot, com-
mahogany.
bine ½ cup blueberries, 5-6 sprigs of fresh thyme; 1
EDIBLE PARTS: fruit
tbsp. each of maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and lem-
KEY MEDICINAL USES: It has antiseptic, astringent, and on juice; ¼ tsp. of salt. Boil for 15 min. over medi-
anti-inflammatory properties. Blueberry species are um heat until the sauce reduces and thickens. Brush
rich in antioxidants and are being investigated for their glaze on grilled salmon and broil for 3-5 min.
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