The History of Blackberries

Blackberries are part of the Genus Rubus and are thought to be native to temperate regions across the Northern Hemisphere. Historians believe they spread to other areas through colonization. They are thought to have been part of the hunter-gatherers’ diets and many Indigenous Peoples, including many Native American tribes, have a long history of consuming blackberries. In fact, evidence of blackberry consumption was found in the well-preserved body of an Iron Age woman known as The Haraldskær Woman, who lived around 500 BC. Blackberries were not only consumed as food, but were also traditionally used as a natural dye to create purple, pink, and gray hues. In fact, pigment from blackberries was used to paint illuminated manuscripts during the Middle Ages. They were also used to make wine during that time. Blackberries were also used for medicinal purposes. The ancient Greeks used them to treat gout and sore throats while the ancient Romans made tea from blackberry leaves that was intended to treat a variety of illnesses. Jellies made from blackberries were common in the 1700s, while blackberry jam was first popularized in the 1880s (a time when sugar became more widely available in many areas). It was particularly popular among the poor, who used it to add flavor to their bland bread. The popularity of blackberries and blackberry jam persisted throughout the 20th century, particularly in Britain, where people routinely gathered wild blackberries during the rationing periods of World War I and II. Today, blackberries remain a favorite fruit for many all around the world and are often incorporated into both sweet and savory dishes.