The blackberry has been around for centuries. As part of the Rubus Genus (just like Raspberries) from the Rosaceae family, the blackberry is a perennial plant and grows in what is commonly known as brambles. Blackberries and raspberries differ by the core, a raspberry has a hollow core whilst a blackberry has a ‘torus’ which stays with the fruit after being picked.

It’s tough to pinpoint exactly where blackberries originate from, but they likely came from temperate regions in the Northern Hemisphere before spreading across the globe due to colonisation. Blackberries were thought to be a part of the hunter-gatherers’ diets across the world, and many indigenous (including Native Americans) have eaten blackberries for centuries. One of the earliest known instances of humans enjoying blackberries is estimated to be from approximately 500 BC. A well-preserved body of an Iron Age woman, known as The Haraldskær Woman, was found in a Danish bog and her stomach contents revealed a diet of millet and blackberries.

Blackberries arrived in Australia around 1840 from Europe. They were first promoted as a great source of edible fruit and used to help control soil erosion. But due to their dense thickets, and ability to quickly dominate vegetation and exclude native plants, wild blackberry plants are now considered a weed.

Cooked in a recipe, preserved in jam or perfect on their own, sweet but tart blackberries are a common favourite. The deliciously juicy and plump blackberry has been enjoyed over time, not only as a sweet treat but also as a natural dye or a treatment for illnesses like gout. We explain the history of the blackberry, the differences between wild and store bought blackberries and how to grow your own!

Aside from eating, blackberries have had numerous uses throughout history. From dyeing fabrics to making wines, blackberries have been a source of inspiration for humans and have proven to be highly useful.

Blackberries have long been used for medicinal reasons in various cultures. In ancient Greece, blackberries were used to cure gout and sore throats. It is also reported that Romans brewed tea made from blackberry leaves to treat a range of different illnesses. However, in the 16th century blackberries suffered a hit in popularity as many gastronomy and medical books touted blackberries as the cause of ‘bad moods’ and suggested avoiding them. While many rural classes continued to eat blackberries, they only returned to popularity in the late 18th century. They continue to be considered healthy and therapeutic, with the root of blackberries being believed in helping to relieve dysentery as well as stomach ulcers.