Blueberries are one of our favorite berries. There are over 250 species of blackberries (Rubus), distributed in Europe, North America and Central Asia.
Blackberry bushes mostly grow mainly in the temperate zones of the planet, in forests and fields. blackberries are highly adaptable plants that often climb on rocks, fences and other obstacles during growth. Grow in Europe, Asia, North, South America, and are found in Australia.
It is important not to confuse blackberries with Mulberry. These two fruits are very similar, but mulberry fruits /Doody/ grow on trees, while blackberries are berries that grow in the bush.
There is a superstition that says if a person is under the arch of blackberry bushes on certain days and hours, they will be miraculously healed from a disease and enchantment. Since ancient times wild blackberry vines were called "titanium blood"’. The name comes from an ancient legend that has reached our days. During the battle, which Zeus had with the Titans from their dripping blood sprung blackberry bushes.
Cultivated blackberries are the fruits of the Rubus Fruticosus, Rosaceae, which is a very close relative of strawberries and raspberries.
Composition of blackberries
The delicious fruits contain 4-8% sugars, 0.8 - 1.4% organic acids, vitamin C, carotene and others. They are free of sodium and cholesterol, very low in fat. In addition, an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C and folic acid. The reputation of the bush as a therapeutic agent is mainly due to the high content of potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper and sodium salts. In small amounts, it contains vitamins B1, B2.
The large amount of vitamin C in the bush remains almost unchanged during storage of fruit juices and syrups. The high content of potassium improves the extraction of excess water from the tissues. Magnesium has an anti sclerosis effect, and by content of magnesium in the bush, they are second only to the hips.
100g blackberries contains 43 calories, making them suitable for diets for weight loss. Fiber - 5.3 g – means they help digestion.
Selecting and storing blackberries
Best blackberries are a rich buttery color without injured and kind of wilted areas. When you are in the market, choose blackberries with rounded shape, bright color and fresh look. Overripe blackberries are soft and often with mold on the surface. Usually blackberries, which are separated from the stems, in most cases are not ripe.
Best keep blackberries in a single layer in the refrigerator, it is best in a glass container. Durability is minimal - up to 2 days. Wash them immediately before eating. Good news that blueberries can be frozen in a freezer without thawing them, unlike strawberries and raspberries.
Culinary use of blackberries
Cakes with wild berries are something few of us would be able to resist. With raspberries, strawberries, cranberries and, of course, blackberries you get very tasty and delicious cakes, decorations and filling for cakes and creams, mousses.
Avoid small seeds, it is better to sore blackberries through a sieve or blend them and then strain their juice. From blackberry can be prepared very delicious healthy syrups juices, nectars, compotes, jams and sweet and even wine. Dried blackberries can go with breakfast of muesli and fruit teas.
Benefits of blackberries
Even the ancient Greeks knew well the healing power of blueberries. They used the leaves of the bush for strengthening their gums. In Arab countries, they do believe that the leaves act as a means of sexual arousal. The Romans used them against diarrhea.
Blueberries are applied to maintain acid-base balance in conditions, like acidosis - diabetes mellitus, bronchial asthma, rickets. Because of the high content of tannins, blackberries are applicable in the treatment of diarrhea.
According to recent studies, blackberries help in the prevention of colon cancer. Dried version of the fruit may reduce the incidence of tumors in animals susceptible to the disease, with 60% also demonstrating that blackberries have antioxidant and anticancer properties. They suppress the development of tumors by blocking a protein (beta-catenin).
Researchers also found a 50% reduction in the incidence of colitis, an inflammation of the colon that can contribute to cancer. Experts recommend blackberries for cardiac and hepatobiliary diseases. The fruit increases the body's resistance when cold and soft seeds stimulate digestion. When blueberries are taken in the form of juice, it has a soothing effect on the heart.
Not only the fruit, but the leaves of the blackberry bush can be beneficial to human health. They have strong bactericidal properties and help in menstrual disorders. The roots of blackberries are used in the treatment of varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
Dangers of blackberries
There are people who are allergic to strawberries, raspberries and blackberries, respectively. Even those who suffer from allergies to other berries have to be careful with the consumption of blackberries. It is important to know that blackberries tend to capture the toxic components of air pollution. It is very important to wash blackberries and are even better to soak.
Beauty with blackberries
This bush is frequently used in cosmetics. It's a great way to refresh the skin and remove dead cells. If you want to refresh and tone your skin, mash in 2 tablespoons blackberries and add 2 tablespoons cream. Put the mask on your face and let it work for about 15 minutes. Remove the mask with a soaked in green tea pad, then rinse with cool water.
If you want to give a nice shade of your skin, grind a handful of leaves from the bush and then scald with hot water. Place the scalded leaves in a gauze and put on face for 20 minutes. It is not necessary to wash afterwards.
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