Soft fruit focus – Jostaberry anyone??

Blackberries

Harvest – July to September

Position – Grows best in rich, neural soil. Sheltered site in sun or partial shade.

Planting – Water thoroughly or stand container in water for an hour before planting. Plant in hole large enough to avoid disturbing root ball. Back-fill with soil previously mixed with peat substitute and a suitable fertilizer.

Plant care – Keep moist. Feed in spring. Remove fruiting stems after crop has been harvested.

Blackberry milkshake

Blend on cup of blackberries, 2 ice cubes and one tablespoon of sugar until smooth. Add 4 scoops of vanilla ice cream and half a cup of milk. Puree until smooth and garnish with 4 fresh blackberries. Serves 2.

Blackcurrants

Harvest – July to September

Position – Requires well-drained, moist soil in full sun or part shade.

Planting – Plant in a hole large enough to avoid disturbing root ball. Back-fill with soil previously mixed with peat substitute and suitable fertiliser.

Plant care – Prune immediately after fruiting. Responds well to generous feeding.

Blackcurrant Harvest bars

Melt 200g of butter in a wide pan. Mix together 75g of porridge oats, 100g of flour, 1 lime zest and 75g of your favourite finely chopped nuts. Stir in the butter and 3 tablespoons of golden syrup until evenly mixed and the oats are coated. Pour half the mixture into a flat baking tin and add plenty of fresh blackcurrants. Add the second half of the mix and press onto the fruit. Bake at 200c for 45-55minsor until golden brown.

Jostaberry

Harvest – July to September

Position – Required well-drained, moist soil, in full sun or part shade.

Planting – Water thoroughly or stand container in water for an hour before planting. Plant in hole large enough to avoid disturbing the root ball. Back-fill with soil previously mixed with peat substitute and a suitable fertilizer.

Plant care – Prune immediately after fruiting. Responds well to generous feeding.

Jostaberry Jam

Add 3.5cups of fresh jostaberries to a pan and cook on a low heat, adding 1.5cups of sugar. Continue to stir until combined. Mash fruit with a potato masher to release fruit juices and continue to cook until juice boils and the mixture thickens, stirring continually. Pour into jars and leave to cool.

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