Deep Purple
Many of us, with other choices of summer fruit, might pass over a basket of blackberries. Maybe you remember a blackberry with a tart, sugarless taste. This unfortunate blackberry simply didn’t have what it needed to grow to its full potential. It would be a shame to shun blackberries without tasting them. They’re one of the most delicious and healthy treats the summer crops could possibly bring us. Today’s farmers know just how to keep their plants happy and producing sweet, tart fruit.
Blackberries, like blueberries and raspberries are a super food. They are rich in Vitamin C and fiber, but their most desirable healthy trait comes from their dark blue color, which is linked to their high antioxidant levels. Antioxidants are considered a natural deterrent to many cancers and other diseases, and there is a long list of wonderful heath affects associated with eating fresh blackberries regularly.
In summer, depending on your part of the country, there are many pick-your-own farms. This is a fun way to get the tastiest fruit. When selecting blackberries, look for ones that have a plump, dark color. Remember the brand or farm that gives you your first delicious berries because you can likely depend on them to do it consistently throughout the season.
Blackberries are highly perishable. When you get them home, unpack them and look for any that might have mold and discard them. Then store them, unwashed, in a single layer on a plate or in another container and place it in the refrigerator. The berries should keep for up to one week.
You can use blackberries in both sweet and savory dishes. My recipe for Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Blackberry-Basil Spread and my Blackberry and Spinach Salad are the perfect way to showcase the sweet perfection of blackberries.
GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES WITH BLACKBERRY-BASIL SPREAD
Makes 4 Sandwiches
1 loaf of multigrain bread, Italian ciabatta, Sourdough, or a French boule. cut into 8 thick slices
12 ounces of fresh blackberries
12-15 fresh basil leaves, chopped
3 -4 ounces Kraft Deli Deluxe American Singles.
3-4 ounces of fontina cheese, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter or mayonnaise
In a large, deep bowl, gently mash the blackberries with a potato masher or a fork and stir in the chopped basil. Heat an electric griddle or large, heavy non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat for at least 5 minutes.
Brush 4 slices of the bread with half of the olive oil and the butter or mayonnaise. On the remaining 4 slices of bread, place a single slice each of the American and the fontina cheese. Top the cheese with a few spoonfuls of smashed blackberries. Place the oiled and buttered slices of the bread on top of the blackberries and press the slices together gently.
Carefully turn the sandwiches over so that the oiled and buttered side is in contact with the bottom of the griddle or skillet. Carefully brush the top of sandwiches with the remaining oil and butter. Turn the heat down to medium low, and let each side cook for about 4-5 minutes to let the cheeses melt and the bread toast. Remove from the heat and serve immediately.
BLACKBERRY AND SPINACH SALAD
2 cups baby spinach leaves
1/4 cup blueberries
3 strawberries, sliced
1-2 thin slices of red onion
3-ounces chunk light tuna packed in oil
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 heaping teaspoons of grainy mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice or rice wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sugar, honey or agave syrup
1 teaspoon torn, basil or mint leaves plus more for garnish
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Place spinach, blueberries, strawberries, red onion and the tuna in a bowl. In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, mix extra virgin olive oil and grainy mustard together. Add lemon juice or rice wine vinegar, sugar, honey or agave syrup, salt and pepper and the basil or mint leaves and mix well until emulsified. Dress salad and garnish with more whole herb leaves if desired.
