Hello,
I hope you are having a fun summer. I love all the seasons but summer has to be my favorite. The hot weather, the festive activities, camping under the stars, and of course, the fruits and veggies. Blackberry season is here and it is abundant. Because of all the water California has received in recent years, the blackberries are big and juicy. In addition to being delicious, blackberries are packed with goodness, like:
Vitamin C everyone's favorite antioxidant boosts your immune system and is essential for wound healing. It also helps produce collagen and neurotransmitters.
Vitamin K is required for blood clotting and keeps your bones healthy. It promotes heart and brain health.
Vitamin A Fun fact: Vitamin A is responsible for producing the pigments in the retina of the eye and helps to support sight, particularly in dim lighting. Night blindness can be a symptom of vitamin A deficiency. Also, vitamin A is great for skin, teeth, bones, and the immune system.
Polyphenols increases brain functions, treats digestive disorders like diabetes, and benefits your cardiovascular system.
If you are lucky enough to be able to pick fresh blackberries, their frequencies are amazing! I'm picking my weight in blackberries this season. Here are 2 of my favorite blackberry recipes:
Blackberry Spritzer
This is so refreshing and invigorating. I like salty with sweet so I add a pinch of sea salt. Plus, sea salt has added minerals and helps balance electrolytes.
Bubble water
Fresh blackberries
Fresh squeezed lemon juice
Honey, local if you have allergies
Sea salk, optional
Ice, optional
In a glass, mix 1 tablespoon of honey into 2 tablespoons of hot water to make a syrup. Squeeze lemon juice into a glass. Mix well to combine. Add ice, then pour in the bubble water to the top. Garnish with blackberries. Enjoy with a smile on your heart!
Blackberry Jam
This is a yummy way to add some collagen to your diet. This jam doesn't last long so I don't bother preserving the jars. I like the crunch and nutrients of the seeds so I don't strain it but you can if you like smooth jams.
3 1/2 cups fresh blackberries 2 tablespoons room temperature water 2 teaspoons grass fed collagen powder (you can buy it here on my website) In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add blackberries. While the pan heats up, mix water and collagen until smooth. Cook for about 5 minutes until the blackberries get really shiny and fall apart. Pour in the collagen mixture and combine. Pour into mason jars. Let cool then store in the fridge. If you prefer seedless jam, cook until berries have completely fallen apart. Push berries through a seive and into a bowl. Add in the collagen mixture into the berries and combine. Pour into mason jars. Let cool then store in the fridge.
