Little Step No. 32
What to do:
Pick some blackberries
Why this step works:
During the last week’s dog walks I’ve been hunting in the hedgerows for blackberries! On some walks I remembered to take a tub, and on other days, like today, I forgot, and had to improvise with a big leaf! Both the tub and the leaf held up well and I now have a delicious blackberry-stash in the freezer.
So why ‘pick some blackberries’?
Here’s two very good reasons:
1. Connection - Compared to our hunter-gatherer ancestors we have lost much of our connection to where our food comes from. Food represents so much more than a collection of nutrients on a plate and the way we involve it in our lives most certainly has an impact on our health and wellbeing. Even small actions such as a walk spent hunting for blackberries can help to re-build this vital connection between us, our environment and our food.
2. Flavonoids - Berries are incredibly nutritious, and especially wild dark purple blackberries. They look like jewels glistening in the hedgerows and they are treasure indeed! Blackberries contain high amounts of powerful substances called flavonoids - tiny compounds that plants develop to help them survive. Plants can’t run away from harm or move to a shadier spot if it’s too sunny so they have to produce their own protective compounds instead. Amongst many other functions, flavonoids help to protect plants from stresses (eg insects / wind / heat), act as UV filters and act as a defence against harmful microbes too. The great news is that when we eat flavonoids we get to benefit from these protective qualities too! Flavonoids can deliver antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral activity and help to support heart, immune, brain health and more. In fact, one recent study found that regular consumption of flavonoid-rich foods (like berries) is associated with better cognitive function later in life.
If you’re inspired to pick some blackberries this week, make sure you give them a good soak when you get home, this is to help clean and get rid of any little bugs that may be hiding inside. I immersed mine in a bowl of water with a drop of apple cider vinegar and let them soak for a while before draining well and freezing in small bags. Frozen blackberries are perfect for adding to smoothies, or try this easy and tasty recipe for a healthier apple and blackberry crumble which is delicious served with a dollop of natural yoghurt.
I guarantee that whatever you decide to make will taste so much better when you know you’ve picked some of the ingredients yourself. Happy hedgerow hunting x