Pick Your Own Blackberries Near Houston, Texas

Nestled on seven acres in the Houston/Cypress area is a cozy little blackberry patch just waiting for you! When pressures of the recession get to be too much, a day spent on the blackberry farm is a bargain getaway where the whole family can enjoy a slower pace and pick their own blackberries.

Thornless bushes, laden with plump berries, hang conveniently on trellises. Pink, yellow, and red rose blossoms fill the air with lovely fragrance and a tranquil farm pond invites visitors to linger for a moment in the beautiful countryside. An elderly couple who has lovingly tended the seven acre farm for years, proudly shows visitors around the gardens and root cellar. They sometimes offer tips on canning and making jelly.

Whatever day you choose to go, the farm is open the entire month of blackberry harvest season which runs from around mid May to around mid June. Pack some snacks, load up the family and plan to spend a leisurely day having fun. Be sure to wear old clothing, comfortable shoes and take disposable wipes for stained fingers. With the summer sun bearing down at this time of year, protective clothing and sunscreen to prevent sunburn, as well as plenty of water, are a necessity.

Plan to pick enough berries to make a few jars of jelly, a couple of cobblers, and some extra to add to cereal or just for munching fresh from the vine. Remember blackberries can also be conveniently frozen for future use and go great in smoothies. Low calorie and filled with isoflavones, vitamin C, and fiber, those juicy blackberries make a healthy snack.

To arrange a blackberry picking session, call Blackberries of Houston at 281-373-5357 for directions and an update on the ripening of the berries. Life on the farm is relaxed for the retired couple and they spend a great deal of time outdoors. If you get an answering machine, leave a message and they will call you back.

After an exhilarating day of fun and sun in the country air, the whole family will look forward to relaxing on the patio and enjoying the fruit of their very own labor. One quick and easy way is with this refreshing Blackberry Smoothie recipe.

Blackberry Smoothie

1 small container of blueberry yogurt

½ cup crushed ice

½ cup of vanilla soymilk

½ cup grape juice

½ cup of fresh or frozen berries

Blend on high for 30 to 60 seconds, until smooth.

Serves 3 to 4.