After the heatwave, blackberries are coming early this year



 As the summer is well and truly here (!) with most UK schools off for summer, there is one activity that costs nothing but appeals to children almost any age: blackberry picking. That can get them off the iPad for at least an hour, so good to have in your bucket list for the long summer break!

Blackberries are not normally ripe until August, but this year being particularly hot, I have already started to see people picking them where I live. It is welcome news after a tragedy that has recently hit a family of swans.


 






It’s possible on our doorstep, does not require fitting bikes on the roof of a car. We thought, why not have a go ourselves?

I am glad we did this Sunday as we have even managed to pick enough for a blackberry crumble! The only extra ingredients needed are flour, demarara sugar and butter. Loads of recipes available online. One Little tip would be to add a sprinkle of lemon juice and cinnamon. Stick in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes. Enjoy!

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