On Sunday I took the family to a nature reserve by Christchurch Harbour. The weather, for a change, was pleasant.
We ended up on a busy footpath picking blackberries. By the end we had a couple of kilogrammes of them. I mention it was a busy footpath because there was no sign that anyone had been picking before us.
In these austere times, you can have blackberries, for free. Have you seen how expensive they are in the supermarket?
So, blackberry picking, so what? Well here are some advantages:
1. Already mentioned, expensive in the supermarket, you can have them for free.
2. For a family, this is a cheap/free afternoon out. Makes a change from staying in or the highly expensive options for entertaining the kids. No family? Then a cheap way of spending time with your mates. Where we were blackberrying there is a splendid old pub nearby for a post picking pint. Or you can just go with your partner for some quality time. It is relaxing to talk while performing a simple task.
3. Blackberries are full of anti-oxidants, they are very good for you.
4. Walking and picking – gentle exercise is good for you.
5. You can follow up by cooking pies, making wine or saving money by using blackberries in the way you want.
And do not forget other free foods such as elderberries and sloes. Only chase fungi though, if you know exactly what you are doing.
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