A Wild Foraging Adventure: Discovering Blackberries and Plums in Our Backyard!

What an incredible surprise! While my husband was doing yard work, he came in bursting with excitement—he had discovered wild blackberries growing in our backyard!

But that was just the beginning. He suggested we check on the wild plum trees, and to our delight, we found an abundance of plums ripening in the pasture.

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The Thrill of the Hunt

As we wandered down the lease road, we were amazed to find even more blackberries blooming on both sides. The sheer volume was overwhelming; it seemed like a treasure trove of fruit waiting to be harvested. I managed to pick a small amount, but there’s so much more that I can’t even reach! It feels like a wild berry paradise right in our own backyard.

Why Wild Berries?

Wild berries are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Blackberries are rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. Plums also bring health benefits, including digestive support and heart health. Plus, foraging for these natural delights adds a sense of adventure and connection to the land.

Recipe: Wild Blackberry and Plum Jam

With our bounty of blackberries and plums, it's time to make some delicious jam that we can enjoy all year round. Here’s a simple recipe for wild blackberry and plum jam.

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Ingredients:

2 cups wild blackberries, washed
2 cups wild plums, pitted and chopped
3 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (like Certo)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Wash the Berries: Rinse the blackberries gently under cold water.
Chop the Plums: Remove the pits from the plums and chop the flesh into small pieces.

Step 2: Cook the Jam

Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the blackberries, chopped plums, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir well.
Add Pectin: Mix in the fruit pectin and cinnamon (if using).
Bring to a Boil: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a rolling boil and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 3: Test the Consistency

Check for Doneness: To test if the jam is set, place a spoonful on a cold plate and let it sit for a minute. Run your finger through it; if it holds its shape, it’s ready!

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Step 4: Jar the Jam

Prepare Jars: Sterilize your canning jars and lids in boiling water.
Fill Jars: Pour the hot jam into the prepared jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims with a clean cloth.
Seal and Process: Place the lids on the jars and process in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Cool: Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool on a clean towel or cooling rack.
Store: Once cooled, check the seals and store the jam in a cool, dark place. Enjoy this delightful jam on toast, in desserts, or even as a topping for yogurt!

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Discovering wild blackberries and plums has been an exciting adventure, and I can’t wait to see what else we can forage.

Making jam from our finds is a perfect way to celebrate the abundance of nature. With this recipe, you can enjoy the taste of wild fruit all year long. Happy foraging and cooking!