Walking through nature is always a pleasure. Listen to the sound of the birds and the wind, observe the diversity of plants that there are ... Depending on the season of the year in which you are, you may even be able to taste some fruits of the forest, such as blackberries, raspberries or blueberries .
If you want to have these plants in your garden, patio or terrace, it will not be difficult for you to get them, since they are often sold in nurseries and garden centers as they multiply easily, either by cuttings or seeds. So do not hesitate to buy some, which then we will explain how to take care of them 🙂.
What are the fruits of the forest?
First of all, it is important to know what are those edible fruits that we can find in a forest, since otherwise we will not know which species to buy. Well, these are also called red fruits, although not all are of that color (such as blueberries), which are berries produced by wild shrubs that have a sweet or sour taste, and are very juicy.
Most of these berries are edible, but we must be careful when hiking in the wild, as there are some that are not. And it is that, in nature, having a very striking color is often a clear sign of toxicity (as for example happens with lychees eaten in excess).
Which are?
But what do we call berries? Actually, there are many more than we might think at first, the following being the most popular:
Cranberry (red and blue)
It is an evergreen shrub belonging to the genus Vaccinium native to Europe, North America and Asia that can grow as a very branched tree or have a creeping bearing (depending on the species) growing to a height of between 20cm and 2 meters. Its leaves are small, oval and green, and it produces its fruits in autumn.
Cerezo
It is a deciduous tree whose scientific name is Prunus avium which can reach 30 meters in height. It is native to Europe and Asia, and develops a broad, pyramidal-elongated crown, composed of simple leaves, with a crenate or serrated margin, and large, up to 15cm in length. It blooms in spring, before the budding of the leaves, and bears fruit in summer-autumn.
Blackthorn
It is a very tangled and thorny deciduous shrub whose scientific name is prunus spinosa. Native to Central and Southern Europe, Western Asia, and northern Algeria and Tunisia. It grows up to 4 meters in height, and its leaves are small, oval, alternate and petiolate. Its fruit ripens in summer-autumn.
Raspberry
It is an evergreen shrub whose scientific name is Rubus idaeus native to Europe and North Asia that grows between 1,5 and 2,5 meters in height. Its leaves are lanceolate, green, and sprout from reddish branches. The fruits, similar to blackberries but smaller and softer, ripen towards the end of summer / beginning of autumn.
Strawberry
Known as strawberry or frantera, it is a herbaceous perennial plant native to Europe whose scientific name is Fragaria vesca. Reaches a height of about 30-35 centimeters, with rosette leaves composed of three leaflets with a serrated margin, green in color. The fruits ripen throughout the summer.
Arbutus
Also known as arbutus, it is an evergreen shrub-tree whose scientific name is Arbutus unedo. Native to southern Europe and North Africa, grows between 4 and 7 meters tall, with lanceolate and serrated or serrulate leaves. Its fruits are ready for consumption in autumn.
Currant
They are deciduous shrubs belonging to the genus Ribes, the most cultivated species being the (Grossulariaceae). (red currant) and the Ribes nigrum (black currant). Its origin is in Western Europe, and grow to heights between 1 and 2 meters. They produce large, palmate, green leaves and fruit in clusters that ripen in summer-autumn.
blackberry
Mulberry is a deciduous tree native to Asia belonging to the genus Morus, the best known species being the morus nigra (black mulberry), Ulmus rubra (red mulberry) or the Morus alba. They grow between 10 and 15 meters in height, with a more or less straight trunk and large leaves, up to 20 centimeters in length. Produces edible fruits in autumn.
Blackberry
Also known as bramble or blackberry, it is a thorny climbing shrub native to Europe, North Africa and South Asia whose scientific name is rubus ulmifolius. It is very invasive, and can grow up to 1,5cm per day, and being thorny it has little rival. The leaves are evergreen, odd-pinnate, with serrated or serrated margins and green. It produces drupes in black clusters when ripe.
How are they cared for?
Now that you know what they are and their main characteristics, it's time to find out how they are cared for:
Location
They are plants that they must be abroad. Where? Well, if they are trees (cherry, mulberry) they must be in a sunny exhibition; On the other hand, if they are shrubs or herbaceous, you can have them in semi-shade.
Earth
- Flower pot: it must be fertile, with good drainage. It is recommended to mix mulch (on sale here) with perlite (for sale here).
- Garden: rich in organic matter, well drained.
Irrigation
In general, irrigation it must be moderate to frequent, especially in summer. Water an average of about 3 times a week in the hottest and dry season, and a little less the rest.
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From early spring to late summer they have to be paid with ecological fertilizers, like guano (for sale here) or cow dung (for sale here).
Pruning
If required, prune in late winter. Dry, diseased, weak and / or broken branches must be removed. Don't forget to disinfect the tools before and after use to prevent infection.
Plagues and diseases
They can be affected by mealybugs, aphids y White fly especially. But do not rule out Red spider nor the mushrooms.
Pests can be treated with diatomaceous earth (on sale here), and the latter with fungicides.
Rusticity
It depends on the species, but all the ones you have seen here they resist frosts down to -7ºC without problems; some like cherry or mulberry more (up to -18ºC). If you have questions, contact us.
What are the properties of the berries?
The fruits of the forest or red fruits are one of the best allies for health that we can have. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C and iron, so that thanks to them we can enjoy a stronger immune system, and an organism that is more resistant to diseases. Some, like lingonberries, can be consumed as part of the treatment of recurrent urinary tract infections; others, like strawberries, are ideal for people suffering from rheumatism as they are anti-inflammatory.
How are they consumed?
In different ways:
- Raw
- In jams
- Desserts like ice cream and cakes
- Infusion
Infusion of berries
Without a doubt, the infusion of berries is what is best known; not in vain, in a glass with water you can gather all the properties of various red fruits, which is something that your body will appreciate, because you will get a stronger immune system, you can prevent or treat constipation, improve blood circulation, fight cholesterol and anemia, eliminate toxins, and it can even help you lose weight .
How do you prepare?
If you want to take it, you need:
- 2 blackberries, cut in half
- 1 tablespoon of strawberries, cut into four parts
- 1 plum cut into squares
- 1 cherry, diced
- 1 spearmint or mint leaf
The mode of preparation is as follows:
- First, you have to bring water to boil in a saucepan.
- Then, you remove it and put it in a container that resists heat.
- Then, you add the previously washed ingredients.
- Finally, let the infusion rest for about 5 minutes and that's it.
What did you think of this article? We hope you enjoy growing your own berries 🙂.