Blackberries - Nutritious, Flavorful and Grow Well in Arkansas! - by Carol Sanders

First posted on 07-24-2008

PINE BLUFF, Ark. - Blackberries are an ideal fruit crop for gardeners and small acreage farmers, says Dr. Obadiah Njue, Extension horticulture specialist, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Cooperative Extension Program.

Blackberries fetch a good price at farmers’ markets and are also a good crop for pick-your-own operations. Blackberries tolerate a wide range of soil types, are adapted to all regions in Arkansas and require fewer inputs than most other fruit crops, says Dr. Njue. And, because they respond well to organic matter in the soil, blackberries are a good choice for organic growers.

But, if you would like to enjoy blackberries from your garden, the time is rapidly approaching to begin preparations for the 2009 spring planting.

“Late summer to early fall is the best time to begin preparing for the planting of next year’s crop,” says Dr. Njue. Establishing blackberries requires soil preparation. Begin with a soil test and follow recommendations. Eliminate perennial weeds before planting and cultivate the soil deeply, more than 12 inches deep depending on the soil type. Locate the source and order planting materials. Ensure the availability of the right varieties for your area.

Dr. Njue recommends varieties developed by the University of Arkansas fruit breeding program, but there are differences among these varieties. Varying characteristics include thorny or thornless, early or late ripening, small or larger berries and medium or high yields.

Unripe berries will not ripen once picked so they must be picked when fully ripe. Fruit color and ease of separation when picking berries are the main characteristics that determine maturity for harvest. The berries normally develop a dull, black color with plump, soft and juicy fruitlets as they ripen. Fully ripe berries usually separate easily. Most blackberries are soft at harvest and must be handled gently and stacked shallowly in containers to avoid fruit damage.

Still not convinced that blackberries are for you? Blackberries do not have to be fresh to be nutritious; frozen and canned berries retain most of the fresh fruit qualities, says Dr. Njue. They can be sold or purchased frozen year round.

Blackberries contain substantial amounts of phenolic acids which are antioxidant compounds, including vitamins A and C that help to fight free radicals which contribute to cancer. Blackberries have other potential health benefits such as a high dietary fiber content, carbohydrates, polyunsaturated fats and micronutrients. They are a great addition to recipes or eaten fresh as a healthy snack.

To get started on blackberry production, contact your local county Extension agent.