Berry Facts

It is recommended that all fruits be washed before consumption. It is always best to pick berries during the early hours of the day. It is cooler for you and the berries; there is a lot less stress on both. Because you will be outdoors, we recommend you bring some water to drink, bug spray, sunscreen, and hats to protect you from the heat and sun. As with any outdoor activity, you should be aware of things such as insects, bees, fire ants, etc., anything that would normally be seen out in a "country" setting.

TIPS FOR SELECTION AND STORAGE OF BLACKBERRIES

Picking Hints:
· Pick berries when jet black and very plump. The little "pockets" that make up the berry are called "druplets". A gentle tug will release the blackberry from the stem.
· Make sure the berries are plump and bursting with juice when you pick them. Handle blackberries gently; they are fragile. Blackberries will not ripen after picking.

Storage Hints:
· Blackberries will keep in the refrigerator from 2 to 5 days if they are unwashed and stored in an uncovered container. Rinse just before using.
· To freeze blackberries, simply put them in freezer containers, seal, and place in the freezer. There is no need to wash blackberries before freezing. They will last in the freezer for about 1 year.
· Unwashed berries will freeze individually and can be easily poured from containers in desired amounts. Rinse frozen berries in cold water just before using.

TIPS FOR SELECTION AND STORAGE OF BLUEBERRIES

Picking Hints:
· Pick berries when dark blue. A gentle tug will release the blueberry from the stem.

Storage Hints:
· Blueberries should be stored in the refrigerator unwashed in a covered container as soon as you get them home. They will usually keep well in the refrigerator for about a week. You should rinse them right before eating or using them.
· To freeze the blueberries, do not wash; put them into freezer bags and freeze. To use the frozen berries, remove from the freezer and rinse in a colander. Frozen berries will last in the freezer for about a year.

Navaho Blackberry
Type - Thornless, erect.
Fruit Size - Medium, 5 grams per berry.
Flavor/Sweetness - Excellent, consistently rated the highest of the Arkansas varieties; soluble solids (percent sugar) averages 11.4%, the highest of the Arkansas varieties.

Ouachita Blackberry
Type - Thornless, very erect canes.
Fruit Size - Average 6.0 to 6.5 grams per berry; larger than Navaho but not as large as Apache.
Flavor/Sweetness - Very good, rated near that of Navaho; soluble solids (percent sugar) averages 10-11%.