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Blackberries

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August 9, 2008

Just like raspberries, the blackberries are bramble fruits. The roots of the plant live indefinitely and send off the bristled (thorn like) canes those sprout up and then bear fruits; they then die back and get replaced by newer growing canes regularly. Blackberry plant either grows upwards, like large bushes, or chase along the ground. The blackberries that trail along are called as dewberries. Most of the varieties of blackberries are very soft and spoilable that they can’t be shipped. With some exceptions of a few hybrids those are kept specifically can hold up long enough to reach the fruit store but then they are to be consumed soon.

Fresh blackberries are never to be left to remain in a room temperature. It is because they soft and then bleed! If they are to be stored for a little while, it is better to put them in the refrigerator. Commercial blackberry manufacturing occurs chiefly in the United States, but considerable quantities are also grown in the UK and in New Zealand. In commercial planting in the US, harvesting is oftentimes carried out by machines that shake the canes and grasp the ripe fruit, most of them are frozen or canned to use in bakery products and yoghurt or prepared into jellies, jams, or wine. Some fruit is hand-harvested and traded fresh.

Use of blackberries

Internal use
Blackberry fruit contains good amounts of anthocyanocides those are found in the pigment giving the berries their color. These anthocyanocides are powerful antioxidants that help reversing cell damage due to free radicals, and are considered to be good in preventing cardiac disease, cancer and various strokes. Studies reveal that anthocyanocides got a special positive effect on the eyes that can halt the cataract progression and macular degeneration

The leaves of blackberries have been used to treat non-specific acute diarrheas, as well as swelling of the mouth and throat. It is also said to be helpful to reduce blood sugar level and is a good source of the vitamin C and E and the minerals like selenium. Herbalists and naturopaths use blackberry leaves to treat following health conditions:-
1. Diarrhea
2. Dysentery
3. Hemorrhoids
4. Sore throats
5. mouth sores
6. Ulcerscystitis
7. Easing labor in childbirth (this underwrites the uterogenic activities of this herb).

External use
The tannins in blackberries’ leaves are astringent and help clotting the blood in a natural way that gives acceptance to its traditional use to help healing the wounds, curing the sores and scratches. The fruit is also used for gum diseases, mouth ulcers etc.


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