Fruit of the season

The dark jewels of ripe blackberries begin to populate hedgerows from late summer onwards and at the beginning of September are usually at their peak. The soft yielding fruit, speckled with tiny seeds, is often gathered on a walk, eaten on the go or dropped into tubs to be taken home and used in a crumble or pie. Their earthy flavour is enhanced by a sweet tang. Picking them is often a family tradition enjoyed as autumn arrives.