Kentucky Proud blackberries are available in July and early August. (USDA photo

by Scott Bauer.)

Selecting Kentucky Proud blackberries.

Ripe Kentucky Proud blackberries are one of the highlights of summer.  Ripe blackberries are a dull, black color.  As they turn black, they begin to soften and become sweet.  The small depression in each fruitlet should be plump, juicy and solid.  Look for stains on containers which could indicate crushed or bruised fruit. 

Keeping Kentucky Proud blackberries fresh.

Handle blackberries gently to avoid bruising.   Once you get them home, store the berries immediately in the refrigerator in a shallow container.  Don't wash them before refrigerating them.  Blackberries can be stored for up to two days in the refrigerator.  To prepare them, wash them gently in cold water and drain.  Don't soak them in water.  Remove berries that are very soft.

A great Kentucky Proud favorite...Fresh Blackberry Cake!

You'll need:

3 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons ground cloves

1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 1/2 teaspoons allspice

1 cup butter or margarine, softened

2 cups sugar

3 Kentucky Proud eggs

2 cups undrained Kentucky Proud blackberries

1 cup chopped pecans

1 cup raisins (optional)

Sift the flour, baking soda, cloves, cinnamon and allspice together.  Cream the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.  Add the eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.  Add the flour mixture gradually, beating well after each addition.  Add the undrained blackberries, pecans and raisins and mix well.  Pour into a greased and floured tube pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes or until the cake tests done.  (This cake is great for breakfast or brunch.  You may frost with caramel or butter frosting and serve for dessert.  The cake can also be frozen for a short period.  For a sweeter taste, add 1/2 cup sugar to the blackberries and let stand 30 minutes before adding to the batter.)

Yields 24 servings.

Recipe from the "Pride of Kentucky" cookbook, published by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service.

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Check out other great Kentucky Proud recipes.