Blackberries 125g

Blackberries are one of the most intensely flavoured berries in the punnet. Deep purple-black, jammy, and complex with a natural tartness that lingers, they reward patience — wait for them to be fully ripe and they are extraordinary.

Blackberries are at their best in late summer, typically from January through February, when warm days and cool nights push the flavour to its peak. That is the window to buy them and enjoy them at their finest.

Look for berries that are deeply coloured all the way through with no red or pink tinges, which indicate underripeness. They are delicate, so check the punnet for any signs of mould or crushing before buying. Eat them within a day or two for the best result.

Eat them fresh, fold through cream or yoghurt, use as a pavlova topping, cook into a sauce or jam, or bake into a crumble. They pair beautifully with dark chocolate and work brilliantly in a summer pudding.