Blackberries (Rubus fruticosus) belong to the rose family, making them a distant relative of raspberries, strawberries and dewberries. These dark purple-black berries grow on thorny bushes or trailing vines and are native to Europe, North America and parts of Asia. With a history spanning over 2,000 years, blackberries have been cultivated for food, natural dyes and medicinal purposes, as well as serve as hedgerows in Europe.
Archaeological evidence suggests humans have been consuming blackberries as early as 10,000 years ago. Ancient Greeks and Romans valued blackberry leaves and root for their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, while Native American tribes used red raspberries (a close relative) to soothe menstrual cramps and digestive issues. Historically consumed only regionally, commercial cultivation of blackberries expanded in the 19th century, making blackberries widely available beyond their native habitats...<<<Read More>>>...
